MILWAUKEE — A troubling new scheme has emerged in Wisconsin, preying on residents by claiming they have missed mandatory jury duty. Scammers are impersonating law enforcement officials to lure victims into making payments for fines that do not exist.
This latest iteration builds on a longstanding fraud tactic. Victims receive messages through text or phone calls, telling them they need to resolve an alleged jury duty infraction. According to Michelle Reinen, administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, victims are directed to counterfeit websites, where they are tricked into providing sensitive financial information.
“The scammers often tell victims to pay their fines online,” Reinen said. “They may also use fake locations referred to as ‘government kiosks,’ which are actually cryptocurrency ATMs aimed at siphoning off funds.”
Neither law enforcement nor court systems will ever demand payments over the phone, Reinen cautioned. She advises those concerned about missed jury duty to consult with the clerk of courts for accurate information on the process.
In addition to the jury duty ruse, another scam targeting PayPal users has gained traction this month. This scheme particularly affects individuals who are trying to sell items online. Scammers employ an overpayment tactic, where a buyer sends more money than the agreed price and then asks the seller to refund the difference.
Ultimately, the original payment is often reversed, leaving the seller in a vulnerable position and out of pocket. “If you have doubts about any transaction, log into your PayPal account and check your activity,” advised Reinen. “You can also report any suspicious incidents through their help center.”
Victims of these scams are encouraged to report the incidents to state authorities, as well as to local consumer protection agencies. This not only assists in tracking these fraudulent activities but also raises awareness to prevent others from falling prey.
As scams continue to evolve, it remains crucial for individuals to stay vigilant and informed about potential threats. The best defense may lie in a proactive approach to verifying any unexpected communication that involves financial requests.
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