Wisconsin 715 Area Code Scam Alert Issued

"Scammers are at it again!" That's what the Douglas County Sheriff's Department posted on social media this week. There's been an increase in phone scams from local area codes that are claiming to be the Sheriff's Department.

The scammers use "spoof" numbers with local 715 area codes. People are typically more likely to answer a local phone number, especially with the correct area code.

The criminal scammers will trick you into believing you have outstanding citations or even warrants. They then offer to pay to clear the citation. They may ask for financial information or gift cards. The Douglas County Sheriff's Department says they definitely do not accept gift cards as payment, and they would never solicit money over the phone.

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Soliciting gift cards for payment is a popular method for scammers, as the payment can't be tracked. If you're asked to pay with any sort of gift card, you're getting scammed.

Read More: Minnesota Department Of Revenue Issues Scam Warning

If you are asked to pay for money for an unpaid bill, citation, or other reason, hang up and call the business or organization's listed phone number. Don't be fooled by threats, like "our officers are on the way to apprehend you." Scammers use fear to cloud your judgment.

With AI Technology advancing so rapidly, scammers are using fake voices and AI to be even more convincing with crimes. Be vigilant and don't believe everything you hear. It can be quite convincing.