The state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection advises caution when buying online coupon deals for products or services.
Spokesman Jerad Albracht says do your research. “Decide if this is a company you want to do business with,” he says. “Also make sure you know the fine print on the websites you buy the daily deals from, in case you run into a problem.”
There have been reports of scams. Albracht says if you think you’ve bought from an unsavory operation, keep any receipts, emails, or documentation you’ve had with the company.
Albracht adds even legitimate businesses have reported getting overwhelmed with the demand from the coupons, meaning a possible delay in getting a product or service.
The public is welcome to call Wisconsin Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 to find out if the agency has received consumer complaints against a business.