Contact: Brock Bergey, 608-219-9396, brock.bergey@wisconsin.gov
JEFFERSON – Consumers must file claims to get in line with other creditors owed money by Furniture Deals and Steals, a company that closed in July. Under an order signed by a Jefferson County Circuit Court judge, claims must be filed with the court by November 7, 2011.
“Consumers who filed a complaint with Consumer Protection or Better Business Bureau should receive a claim form directly from the court-appointed receiver,” said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. Consumers can also download a claim form on our homepage at datcp.wisconsin.gov; the information is located just above the consumer protection box.
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is cooperating with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the investigation of Furniture Deals and Steals.
“We are continuing to investigate whether Furniture Deals and Steals violated state consumer laws,” Chalmers said. “We encourage people to continue to file complaints if they have a grievance with the furniture company. Complaints should also include any documentation relating to purchases.”
The Bureau of Consumer Protection received 119 consumer complaints since the first part of July against Furniture Deals and Steals. Consumers who provided invoices or other proofs of purchase have indicated losses in excess of $68,000. Since some consumers did not report how much they lost, actual losses may exceed that total.
Chalmers advised that consumers who paid for their purchases by credit card should continue to watch their billing statements carefully. Under federal law, consumers have 60 days after the charge first appears on a billing statement to dispute a charge.
To file a consumer complaint, visit the Bureau of Consumer Protection’s website at datcp.wisconsin.gov; via e-mail at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov; or call toll-free at 1-800-422-7128 to request a complaint form.
Questions about the claim process should be directed to the receiver, whose contact information is available on the claim form.
