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.
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Ripped Off in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection website has many resources available to consumers in Wisconsin, including the ability to file a consumer complaint. If you are interested in filing a complaint, the Department encourages consumers to talk to the person who sold you the product or service and if you do not get results then speak with a supervisor, manager, or store owner. If you are in this type of a situation it is likely that you are upset, but it is important that you remain calm and professional. Be specific with how you would like to see the situation resolved. Do you want a product replaced? Would you like a refund? Or is there an alternative resolution?
If you don’t get anywhere after escalating the issue with the business you are dealing with, you can file a consumer complaint. The Department’s website states that the chances for resolution are greater when a consumer reports an issue quickly. The Department cannot force a business to resolve a complaint; however, the Department states that their contact with a company often results in a solution.
To file a complaint with the Department, you can fill out a form or call their Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128. The Department advises that complainants should allow 3-5 weeks for the initial review and handling of a complaint.