Officials warn of mail order scams targeting Latino customers

MADISON (WITI) – Over the past two years, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has seen a steady increase in calls from Latino consumers complaining of unscrupulous practices by mail order companies.

Hispanics statewide have been specifically targeted in scams that began as phone, online or mail-based purchases of goods, but that turned into aggressive and threatening demands for additional money or purchases.

Here are three examples of mail order scams reported to DATCP by consumers:


    What you need to know about unordered merchandise:


      Remember:


        If you encounter problems with a mail order purchase, visit the Bureau of Consumer Protection at http://datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.