By Mickey Schommer
Contributing Writer
GREEN BAY – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently reported that Wisconsin consumers lost $75,930,415 to fraud, with a median loss of $400, in 2023.
Green Bay Police Capt. Jeffery Brester said that in order to avoid being scammed, people need to be aware of who they’re giving confidential information to and who they’re in contact with over the phone or through the internet.
Sometimes, scammers pose as company representatives in emails, added Brester.
“People then give them access [to their computer] and by then, the scammers are able to access bank accounts. Those are probably some of the most common [reports] we’re seeing,” explained Brester.
Scammer safety comes down to taking extra precautions and double-checking sources of information in order to avoid being a victim of fraud.
“If something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” he said.
If you are unsure of a potentially fraudulent situation, Brester said that the best way to be sure is to double-check with a trusted family member or friend.
If a scammer is posing as a company representative, do not call the number back; but instead, check with that company through a phone number from a bill you’ve received or a verifiable website.
Always be wary of cryptocurrency payments or payments that must be rushed, noted Brester.
“Trusted companies will always wait for you to double check your information. If WPS calls you to say you’re behind on a bill, and you ask if you can call them back to double-check, they’re going to allow it because they know it’s true. Scammers will try to pressure you into giving them money immediately,” he said.
Brester urged individuals to report any fraudulent activity, but they cannot promise to return any money to someone who has already sent it out.
“You can call the FTC or FDIC website and make some claims. You can call the police, but sometimes our hands are tied,” he admitted. “A lot of times our investigations come to a dead end because the fraudulent call came from overseas. We lose our jurisdiction over that.
“It’s not a high solveablility rate. Unfortunately, the reality is, when somebody is scammed out of money, especially when they’ve already sent them money, it’s hard to get the money back. The scams are so complex that they’re hard to track.”
Being detail-oriented is the best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent activity.
Be aware of who you know, what you owe and to whom, and always make sure to double-check to verify any information you’re unsure of.