Wisconsin has enacted a state statute covering debt collection, which provides rules designed to protect consumers from harassing or oppressive debt collection practices such as misrepresentations and the use of counterfeit legal processes. These rules closely mimic the requirements of the FDCPA.
In addition to the damages and other relief available under the FDCPA, a Wisconsin resident subjected to improper debt collection practices can also obtain relief under the Wisconsin law. Wisconsin victims can bring a lawsuit under state law and obtain their actual damages, including emotional distress damages, penalties of between $100 and $1,000, and even the return of property they had put up as collateral for the debt.
If you believe that a collector has behaved inappropriately while attempting to collect a debt from you in Wisconsin, our attorneys can help you to determine whether the FDCPA or Wisconsin law provides you with a legal remedy.
To learn more about the FDPCA, go to Federal Debt Collection Practices Act.
Wisconsin Statutes Annotated Sections 218.04 and 427.101 to 427.105.
