Imposter scams surge in Wisconsin, losses top $12B

# Wisconsin Residents Targeted by Surge in Imposter Scams

Wisconsin residents are losing millions to imposter scams, with state authorities warning of an alarming uptick in fraud schemes targeting consumers across the state. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reports that imposter scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with losses projected to exceed $12.5 billion nationally in 2025.

The most common schemes involve scammers posing as government agencies, lottery officials, or trusted institutions. Callers threaten arrest or claim victims have won prizes, then demand payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards—methods that are nearly impossible to trace. DATCP warns that the IRS will never contact you by phone, only by mail, and legitimate lottery winners never have to pay fees to claim prizes. Other red flags include requests for personal information like Social Security numbers, demands for secrecy, and high-pressure urgency tactics.

For Milwaukee residents, the threat is particularly acute. Older adults are disproportionately targeted by scammers who assume they're less tech-savvy or have retirement savings available. The Wisconsin Bankers Association has also reported a rise in bank spoofing scams and phishing texts impersonating legitimate companies and government agencies like WisDOT.

If you suspect you're being scammed, hang up immediately and contact DATCP at 1-800-422-7128. If money has already been sent, call your bank right away. You can also file a complaint with DATCP online or report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Never wire money to someone you don't know, and always verify requests by contacting organizations directly using official phone numbers.