Wisconsin Sees Increase Of Identity Theft Complaints

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin consumer protection officials compiling a list of top complaints in 2015 say identity theft is on the rise.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says telemarketing remains the perennial leader among complaint categories, reinforced by a rash of threatening phone scams.

The agency says tax-related rip-offs drove the identity theft category up one spot on the list to third place. Consumer protection administrator Frank Frassetto says you may not know that you are a victim of identity theft until your tax return is rejected by the IRS or the state.

Landlord or tenant complaints are second on the list and include disputes over security deposits, unauthorized entry and evictions.