Question: I hear a lot about different scams happening and how older people are targeted. Where can I find out about how to protect myself from scams?
Answer: Thank you for your question! A good place to start is with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Per their website, they provide a variety of services including operating the consumer protection hotline, handling consumer complaints, regulating unfair or deceptive business practices, administering the telemarketing “Do Not Call” law, providing education to customers on how to avoid identity theft and offering recovery services to theft victims, regulating hazardous consumer productions, and enforcing environmental regulations. This information can be accessed through their website online or you can call their toll-free hotline.
Their website has a page of fact sheets and informational brochures on consumer protection related topics. They offer answers to frequently asked questions as well as ideas on how to handle a wide variety of situations. Topics they cover include cars, charities, housing, identity theft, telemarketing, and many others. Under each topic is a list of subtopics and fact sheets.
They also have a Senior Guide that covers issues and scams that the state’s elderly population faces. This guide provides helpful information and guidance on how to handle tough situations. It can be viewed online on their website or you can order a hard copy through the mail.
Visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for more information and to view their fact sheets at:
www.datcp.wi.gov
Their hotline can be reached either by phone or by email:
(800) 422-7128
datcphotline@wisconsin.gov
