Don’t Fall For New Scam Draining Bank Accounts In Wisconsin

This scam is clever enough that I could see myself falling for it. A Wisconsin crime alert group shared a warning on social media about a new type of scam that is showing up across the country and in Wisconsin. It's called "Brushing"

How The Scam Works

You'll receive a package from a trusted seller like Amazon or Walmart. Inside will be a gift, like a ring, earrings, watches, Bluetooth speakers, etc. It's nice enough of a gift that you want to know who it came from, but there's no return label. Inside the box is a slip of paper with a QR code that says you can scan it to find out who gave you the gift.

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Don't Scan The QR Code

When you scan the QR code, your phone is compromised. All the information from your phone will be sent to the scammers and they receive complete access to your phone.

Victims often have their bank accounts drained.

The Marathon County Crime Stoppers shared the scam on their Facebook page this morning. They say that the victims often have their bank accounts drained because the scammers were able to access their banking information from their phones.

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Be Careful Of Any QR Codes

Be wary of scanning any QR code that doesn't seem legitimate. Some criminals will even put up fake QR codes at public places like parking meters or parking garages.

Be sure your family and friends know about the scam and educate Grandma & Grandpa. It's too bad we have these Grinches we have to worry about this time of year.