A Wisconsin Resident Nearly Fell For This 3K Scam — Here’s How It Worked

You probably read about scams these days and wonder how people could even fall for some of them. I know I have thought as much at times - but people do and this is a good example of that.

A new scam has been reported in Wisconsin and this one was a very close call. In fact, there are probably a few people that did fall for it and just never reported it.

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The last scam that was reported in our neck of the woods was in Minnesota, where scammers were posing as someone from the government and telling people their Social Security numbers were suspended.

Now, an even more recent scam was just reported, this time around by the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. This one could happen anywhere and it's only a matter of time before it moves.

Diy13

Winnebago County Sheriff's Office Reports Scam In The Area - And Close Call

According to their post, which was shared in early October, a local in the area got a call claiming to be someone from the sheriff's office. They even used the name Joseph McBride to make it appear more legitimate.

RELATED: Minnesotans Are Being Targeted By New Bail Scam

The scammer told the local that they missed jury duty and were now wanted, issued a warrant for 'contempt of court' and had to turn themselves because they were allegedly served and never responded. I would probably panic in this situation!

Wooden gavel

As the local was on their way to court to try to work everything out, the scammer called again, telling the local they needed to bring $3,000 from their local bank in order to get a voucher. Thankfully, it was then that the local discovered it was a scam.

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The local asked the scammer where they could get a voucher, and they responded a grocery store, Kwik Trip or Walgreens would do. Obviously, this is a scam and a way for them to get thousands to one of the three stores - without a trace.

It's always a good rule of thumb that when someone asks for payment in the form of a gift card, it's nearly always a scam. No legitimate government organization or agency would require payment in this way.

Pile of Money

The scammer didn't stop there. They called the local back and said deputies were on their way to the local, and they even have an outgoing voicemail that claims they are from the Winnebago County Police Department.

This is such an elaborate scam! Many parts of it seem legitimate and others do not. Either way, stay safe out there. Scammers are getting reckless.