Much as attention is drawn to internet and telephone scams, there seems to be no shortage of victims as area Sheriff offices are informing their citizens to beware of losing their money to a con artist.
The Winnebago County Sheriff pointed to “romance scams” showing up there, in which a scammer cultivates an online relationship, moving to messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram where accounts are easily manipulated. Stories are woven of long-distance love, urgency, fake emergencies and isolation efforts. Often, stolen, or AI-generated pictures are used. Inevitably, there’s a request for money, often through Bitcoin or gift cards.
The Sheboygan County Sheriff is warning residents here to beware of fake phone calls that are made to appear as coming from their office. Technology makes the phone number appear correct, and potential victims are told that they owe a fine or have missed jury duty and are requested to make payments over the phone, and again usually requesting cryptocurrency or gift cards for the transaction. The Sheriff emphasized that they will never contact you for payment over the phone, and if you receive such a call, hang up right away.
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