Top 10 Consumer Complaints in Wisconsin for 2009
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) recently released a list of the most common consumer complaints filed with their department in 2009. Here’s a list of the top ten complaints, along with some helpful information that we’ve included. If you have additional tips that would be useful to our readers, please leave a comment below or contact us.
1. Violations of the No-Call Law List
Adding your phone number to the Wisconsin No-Call List should prevent most telemarketers from calling. However, judging by the 2,187 complaints from this year, violations of the law are fairly common. Under current law, non-profit organizations, political candidates, and elected officials are all allowed to solicit you even if you are on the No-Call List.
To sign up for the list, visit the Wisconsin No Call List website or call (866)-9NO-CALL.
To file a No-Call complaint, fill out this form on the DATCP website.
2. Landlord/Tenant Issues
According to the DATCP, security deposit issues and impermissible lease provisions make up the largest portion of these complaints.
The DATCP has a webpage on Tenant’s Rights and Responsibilities which contains helpful hints on what you should know before you rent, what landlords must disclose, what you should know while renting, and terminating a tenancy.
3. Telecommunications (Telephone Bills)
The DATCP recommends consumers look over their telephone bill carefully and contact their telecommunications carrier with any questions.
Understanding your charges will also arm you with information to shop around and look for a better deal that fits your situation.
4. Satellite Dish Service
According to the DATCP, billing issues and misrepresentations of cost are the main complaints in this category.
With all the promotions going on in the cable and satellite industry, there is also a lot of fine print that consumers need to be aware of. Be sure to read the details of the offer and ask a lot of questions before signing up for this type of service.
5. Home Improvement
Janet Jenkins of the DATCP says, “Make sure everything you want and agree on is in writing; insist on receiving lien waivers when payments are made; and give Consumer Protection a call to check whether there are any complaints about a contractor you are thinking of using.”
To contact the Consumer Protection division of the DATCP, call 1-800-422-7128.
6. Motor Vehicle Sales
The DATCP states that the most common complaint in the motor vehicle category is sales misrepresentations with used cars.
Brochures on What to know when buying a private used car and Buying a motor vehicle on the internet are helpful resources.
7. Credit Cards
The credit card industry has gone through a lot of changes recently. Visit this post on the Get Rich Slowly blog to learn what the new credit card laws mean for you as a consumer.
8. Motor Vehicle Repair
Check out potential auto repair shops through the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau website.
9. Travel and Tourism
The DATCP states that a common travel complaint is when consumers pay for some or all of their trip and then the company goes out of business. In many cases, consumers don’t receive the trip or a refund.
Again, one resource to utilize in your search for a reputable business is the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau.
10. Internet Service Providers
Just like with cable or phone companies, there are a lot of promotions available these days. Be sure to read the fine print and ask a lot of questions before signing a contract.
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