State and Municipal Government Imposters

In recent months, DATCP has become aware of several scams impersonating state and municipal government agencies. In addition to the Medicare-related Wisconsin Department of Administration imposter scam, other recently impersonated agencies include:

· DATCP: Scammers sent fraudulent messages to DATCP licensees (specifically for meat processing establishments) asking them to renew their licenses by providing private information. It appears the scammers used publicly available data on individuals and businesses.

· WisDOT: Scammers sent text messages to many Wisconsin consumers claiming they had to pay for a fake unpaid traffic violation or risk additional fees and legal consequences. The text included a link that led to a fraudulent website that mirrored the real WisDOT website. (Note: there had also been fake toll messages in spring using WisDOT’s name).

· City of Green Bay, City of Monona: Scammers using convincing but fake email addresses, graphics, and even real license and public meeting information, asked permit holders to send permit payments by wire transfer.

DATCP reminds consumers and businesses that scams can be elaborate and convincing, but there are usually signs they are fake. Anyone receiving a message from a government entity asking for money or personal information should:

· Double check the contact info. The email address may be slightly different than what can be found from official sources, but this minor issue can indicate a scam.

o For example, the City of Green Bay impersonators used an email address ending in @CityOfGreenBay.wi.gov – but the real city’s email addresses end in @GreenBayWi.gov.

· Pause before sending any money or information. Scammers depend on their victims acting right away, before they have time to consider the possibility of fraud. Before responding in any way, consumers should carefully think about requests they receive and talk to someone they trust about it. Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or banking app payments – especially by a government entity – are red flags of a scam.

o Ask questions: “Would a real government agency ask for this information? Do I actually owe any money? Is there anything unusual about this request?”

· Contact the government entity using an email address or phone number that is confirmed to be legitimate. Visit the agency’s or community’s official website to find their contact information.

o Never respond directly to an email, phone call, or other contact method that seems suspicious, or use any contact information they provide.

Federal agencies and local law enforcement are also commonly impersonated by scammers. Examples include the FTC, FBI, Department of the Treasury, local courts, and police and sheriff departments. These scams work in the same way but may threaten consumers with severe legal and financial consequences if they do not follow the scammer’s instructions. Consumers should know that scammers are willing to dedicate great time and resources to impersonation schemes. Consumers should independently verify any unsolicited contacts requesting money or private information.