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Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence technology to impersonate trusted people through deepfake photos, videos, and voice cloning to pressure seniors into sending money via texts, emails, and phone calls. Wisconsin loses approximately $1.4 billion annually to online scams, prompting the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans to launch an awareness campaign called "United to Stop Online Scams" and advocating for government regulation of AI tools and cooling-off periods for financial transactions.

A New Berlin, Wisconsin couple lost over $526,000 in gold coins to a nationwide scam that used pop-up ads and fake hacking alerts to convince victims to convert cash into gold for "protection," ultimately leading police to arrest courier Roshan Shah during a sting operation. Shah, who had collected gold from 15 victims across eight states, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison, with federal prosecutors noting that similar gold bar and coin scams have defrauded Americans of over $311.8 million annually. The scam typically originates from overseas call centers where operators direct victims to purchase gold that couriers pick up, with the funds and precious metals eventually sent back overseas or mel

A New Berlin, Wisconsin couple lost over $526,000 in gold coins after being deceived by pop-up ads and phone calls claiming their bank accounts were hacked, then convinced to convert their assets into gold for "protection." Their case helped police set up a sting operation that resulted in the arrest of courier Roshan Shah, who had collected gold from 15 victims across eight states and was sentenced to four years in prison. This scam is part of a nationwide scheme where victims are targeted online, instructed to purchase gold, and have it picked up by couriers who transport it to overseas operators, with the FBI reporting Americans lost over $311.8 million to similar scams last year.

Scammers are impersonating Spectrum Mobile representatives and calling Wisconsin residents offering to lower phone bills if they order a new phone and open a new line, then return the device. The scheme actually involves victims reshipping the phones to unknown addresses rather than Spectrum, resulting in charges for the unreturned devices and no discount received. Spectrum advises customers to never accept unsolicited devices, never reship equipment, and always contact the carrier directly through official channels to verify any offers.

Scammers in Dane County, Wisconsin are using publicly available jail booking information to contact families and demand bail payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, impersonating sheriff's office officials with spoofed phone numbers. Three victims have been targeted in the past three weeks. The Dane County Sheriff's Office warns that legitimate bail payments are only made in person at the jail, never by phone or alternative payment methods.

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau warns college students about seven common back-to-school scams targeting young adults, including impostor schemes impersonating school officials demanding tuition payments, fraudulent rental listings, fake credit card offers, and student loan reduction schemes. Students are advised to verify housing in person before paying deposits, only shop with reputable retailers, check credit reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com, and consult their school's financial aid office directly rather than using third-party services. Other warnings include being skeptical of unsolicited financial aid calls and avoiding phony exam preparation services that may attempt blackmail.

Wisconsin's Department of Revenue is warning senior homeowners about an AI-generated video promoting a fake federal property tax relief program that claims to offer tax freezes or reductions through a nonexistent "IRS Form 1098-SR." The scam directs victims to contact fraudsters posing as county assessors to obtain sensitive information like Social Security numbers and banking details or pay fees for services that don't exist. Officials advise seniors to verify information independently and avoid providing personal data through unsolicited contacts or unverified online links.

A Wisconsin woman fell victim to a celebrity impersonation scam involving a deepfake voice of Johnny Depp, who used romantic messages and even sent a fake Mercedes key fob to build credibility before requesting cryptocurrency investments. The victim lost $100 to an Apple gift card before recognizing the scam and reporting it to the Better Business Bureau, after reportedly being targeted through liking a photo on social media. Consumer experts warn that such scams often exploit fans' emotional excitement and can be verified by checking celebrities' official pages and accounts.

Wisconsin seniors lost over $92 million to scams in the past year, with AI-powered scams using deepfake videos and spoofing techniques becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly targeting those ages 60 and older through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Scammers use AI-generated deepfake ads directing seniors to fake websites and chatbots that collect personal information, often exploiting seniors' lower digital literacy and preference for speaking with live representatives. Meta reportedly generates approximately $16 billion (10% of its ad revenue) from scam advertisements, despite having review teams and policies designed to prevent such content from appearing on its platforms.

During back-to-school season, scammers target both general consumers and college students through fake online ads, phishing schemes, and textbook scams. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection advises shoppers to verify website URLs, use credit cards for online purchases, check for inconsistencies in emails, and avoid acting on urgent offers without verification. No specific dollar amounts of losses were reported in this advisory article.

Wisconsin residents over 60 lost $46 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2025, prompting a bipartisan legislative committee to examine whether the growing cryptocurrency industry requires additional state regulation. Common scams include pig butchering schemes that use fake romantic relationships to lure victims and phishing scams with bogus websites, with criminals favoring cryptocurrency due to its permanent, fast, and anonymous transaction nature. The Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage Committee is seeking public input on potential legislation and plans to meet again on October 15.

Scammers are sending fraudulent letters posing as law firms claiming recipients have inherited millions in unclaimed life insurance policies, with the goal of extracting personal financial information or money from victims. One Wisconsin consumer received a letter claiming a $4.9 million "100% risk-free" inheritance and identified it as a scam through red flags including typos, a Georgia postmark despite claiming to be from a Canadian firm, and similar letters found online. Consumers are advised to verify such offers through legitimate channels like professional bar associations before providing any personal or financial information.

A Wisconsin woman lost $433,000 in an elaborate scam that began when she clicked a pop-up ad impersonating her financial company; scammers convinced her over three months that she was hacked and persuaded her to buy gold coins and liquidate assets to "protect" her money, which were then handed to couriers who never returned. The scammers impersonated government officials and the Better Business Bureau, sent forged documents, and used threats and non-disclosure agreements to silence the victim. Three victims reported similar gold-buying scams to the BBB with combined losses around $3 million.

Roshan Shah, 22, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering after collecting over $3.7 million from 15 elderly victims across the United States. Co-conspirators in India called victims claiming their identities were used in crimes, then instructed them to surrender cash or gold to Shah, posing as a federal agent, for safekeeping. Shah was ordered to pay $4.2 million in restitution, including $526,095 to a New Berlin couple who liquidated investment accounts to purchase gold coins they believed would be placed in government protection.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection warned consumers about back-to-school scams targeting students and shoppers during peak shopping season, including online shopping fraud, fake discount ads, textbook scams, and phishing schemes. The agency recommended verifying website URLs, using credit cards for online purchases, shopping only on trusted platforms, and avoiding urgency-driven offers that seem too good to be true. No specific dollar amounts or individual victims were mentioned in the advisory.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection warns consumers to be vigilant against back-to-school scams, which increase during this busy shopping season. Common scams include fraudulent online ads with steep discounts, fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers, textbook scams targeting college students, and phishing attempts. The agency recommends verifying website URLs, using credit cards for online purchases, avoiding suspicious social media ads, and pausing before responding to urgent offers that seem too good to be true.

Federal student loan borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan must switch to another repayment plan by October 1, 2026, or face automatic reassignment. Scammers are exploiting this transition by targeting borrowers with schemes involving upfront fees, false promises of loan forgiveness, and requests for sensitive information like FSA IDs and power of attorney forms to steal personal data and redirect loan payments. Borrowers should verify any assistance through official resources like StudentAid.gov or the Wisconsin Student Loan Help Hotline and avoid any service providers demanding fees or guaranteeing outcomes.

A scam targeting gold buyers in Wisconsin has caused victims to liquidate their life savings, according to Michelle Reinen from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The scheme exploits individuals interested in purchasing gold, resulting in significant financial losses for those affected.

An elderly Wisconsin woman lost her life savings of $135,200 to a tech support scam that began with a fake Microsoft security warning on her computer in October 2024. Scammers impersonating Microsoft and her bank convinced her that fraudulent charges needed to be reversed, instructing her to make gift card purchases, Bitcoin transfers, and cash withdrawals over nearly a month, claiming the money would be protected in an escrow account. A suspect named Tao Wu was arrested when he arrived to collect cash from her home and received 2½ years in prison, though authorities discovered he was only the collector—the actual scammers behind the calls remain at large, highlighting how these schemes often involve multiple perpetrators working together.

A Wisconsin man was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a sweepstakes fraud scheme that defrauded an elderly couple of over $431,000 by falsely claiming they had won Publishers Clearing House and Mega Millions prizes and needed to pay taxes upfront. The victims lost money through cash payments, gift card purchases, and unauthorized bank withdrawals over an eight-month period. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications requiring upfront payments—legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes never ask winners to pay fees before claiming prizes—and verify any claims directly with the official organization before sending money.

A Wisconsin resident lost over $381,000 in USDC through a Telegram pig-butchering scam, and while Circle successfully froze the stolen funds via court order in August 2025, prosecutors later demanded the company either burn and reissue the tokens to law enforcement or pay cash compensation—a request Circle refused, citing technical limitations and the risk of double-backing. Wisconsin prosecutors subsequently filed a criminal contempt complaint against Circle, setting up a legal battle that could establish important precedents for how stablecoin issuers handle stolen asset recovery and the limits of law enforcement's authority over blockchain assets. The case highlights the growing tension between law enforcement's need to recover scam victims' funds and the technical constraints of decentralized systems, so crypto users should remain cautious with Telegram investment opportunities and consider using regulated custodians rather than self-custody wallets for large sums.

Wisconsin has seen over $10.3 million stolen through investment scams since 2024, with reported cases surging 35% from 2023 to 2025, particularly targeting seniors and vulnerable individuals who have already lost money. Scammers are using sophisticated schemes including romance scams, fake digital assets, and especially fraudulent "asset recovery" services that falsely claim they can retrieve stolen funds for an upfront fee—sometimes even impersonating state regulators. To protect yourself, verify investment companies through trusted government sources before investing, be wary of unsolicited recovery offers, and report suspected scams to Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions.

Wisconsin state agencies are partnering to raise awareness about elder fraud and scams ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 17th, highlighting that seniors lose billions of dollars annually to scams because they're often targeted due to assumptions about their wealth, comfort with strangers, and unfamiliarity with technology. Older consumers are disproportionately affected compared to younger age groups, making them vulnerable to exploitation by bad actors. Anyone suspecting elder abuse or scams can report it through ReportElderAbuseWI.org or by calling 1-833-586-0107.

Dane County, Wisconsin hosted its annual Shred Fest event to help residents safely dispose of documents with personal information, a crucial step in protecting against phishing scams—the leading type of elder abuse in the county, which cost locals $6.1 million last year. Authorities advise residents to be suspicious of unsolicited calls requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers, as legitimate financial institutions and government agencies never contact people directly asking for information they already have. The Dane County Adult Protection Service offers resources to help vulnerable adults and seniors protect themselves from scams and mistreatment.

Employment scams have nearly doubled in Wisconsin, with scammers now using a new "task-based" tactic where job seekers are promised easy money for simple online tasks like liking videos, but are then asked to pay fees to unlock additional work. Job hunters are the primary targets, and victims often lose personal information (including Social Security numbers) along with money. To protect yourself, verify any job offers by contacting the company directly through their official website or HR department, be suspicious of unsolicited text message job offers, and immediately notify your bank if you've already shared banking information with a suspected scammer.

The FBI warns that scams and financial abuse targeting seniors cost older Americans over $7 billion annually, with one Wisconsin family discovering tens of thousands of dollars stolen from their parents' retirement accounts by a family member with power of attorney. To protect vulnerable loved ones, families should have open financial conversations before elderly relatives enter care facilities, clearly document account locations and access permissions, and designate "trusted contacts" on accounts who can monitor suspicious activity without being able to withdraw funds.

The FBI warns that scams and financial abuse targeting older Americans cost seniors over $7 billion annually, with one Wisconsin family's experience illustrating how trusted family members can misuse access to elderly relatives' accounts—in this case, a brother with power of attorney stole tens of thousands of dollars from his parents' retirement savings while they were in care facilities. To protect vulnerable seniors, families should have transparent financial conversations before loved ones enter assisted living, clearly document account locations and access privileges, and designate "trusted contacts" on accounts who can monitor activity for suspicious changes without being able to withdraw funds.

Job scams in Wisconsin have doubled compared to last year, with the Better Business Bureau receiving nearly 50,000 reports over the past three years of job seekers being tricked into paying thousands of dollars. Scammers are using new tactics, including impersonating well-known companies and offering task-based work to lure victims. Job hunters should be cautious about any employment opportunity that asks for upfront payment and verify company legitimacy through official websites and contact information before applying or sending money.

Scammers in Winnebago County, Wisconsin are escalating their tactics by showing up in person at residents' homes, posing as federal agents, police officers, or IRS officials to demand payment for fines or pose as couriers. Victims of all ages have lost significant sums to these in-person scams as well as online schemes like identity theft, cryptocurrency cons, and romance scams, with some cashing out entire retirement accounts. The sheriff's office urges residents to verify any claims by closing the door, calling local authorities to confirm legitimacy, and exercising caution even when dealing with someone face-to-face, since physical presence can make scams seem more credible.

College graduates entering the job market are increasingly targeted by scammers, particularly through fake job listings offering unrealistic high salaries and remote work, as well as moving scams during relocation—according to the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau. Job scams rank as the third most reported type of fraud, while moving scams commonly involve no-show movers, hidden fees, and overcharges. To protect themselves, graduates should be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true and can use the Better Business Bureau's scam tracker tool to verify opportunities and report suspicious activity in their area.

A Milwaukee woman has been charged with defrauding Wisconsin's Medicaid program of $2.2 million through her home health care company by billing for personal care services that never took place. She allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase businesses including a frozen custard shop and a car wash, as well as a luxury Mercedes-Benz. Her attorney claims the charges stem from clerical errors rather than intentional fraud, but she faces multiple felony charges including theft by fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

A Milwaukee woman named Debbie Long is accused of stealing nearly $2.2 million from Wisconsin Medicaid between 2017 and 2022 by submitting fake claims for in-home medical care she never provided, along with fraudulently obtaining a $219,000 pandemic relief loan. She allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase Kitt's Custard, a Mercedes-Benz, and an car wash, as well as to launder money through these businesses. Long faces charges of fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to appear in court in July.

Moving scams are on the rise in Wisconsin, with over 21,000 inquiries and 50+ complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau in 2025, with victims losing a median of $532 each. Common scams include hidden fees, massive price hikes, missing items, and goods being held hostage for additional payment. To protect yourself, research moving companies thoroughly before hiring, verify their legitimacy on BBB.org, and be cautious of red flags like requests for large upfront deposits via informal payment methods like Zelle or payment requests sent to personal names without official company information.

Two people from Illinois were arrested as part of an ongoing elder fraud investigation in Columbia County, Wisconsin, where scammers posed as authority figures to trick an elderly victim into handing over cash through courier pickups. Four suspects total have been arrested so far—two additional couriers were caught earlier in the month attempting to receive money from the victim. If you or a loved one receives unsolicited calls or messages requesting urgent cash payments, hang up and contact local law enforcement directly rather than following the caller's instructions.

Financial exploitation of elderly people in Barron County, Wisconsin is rising significantly, with cases involving theft, scams, and abuse by both strangers and trusted caregivers like family members and service workers. According to local health officials, about 60% of financial abuse cases involve scammers or unknown persons, while 40% involve family members or caregivers, with common tactics including the "grandchild in jail" scam and theft of assets. Seniors are advised to verify emergency calls directly with authorities (like calling the jail) before sending money, and to be cautious about who they allow into their homes and trust with their valuables.

Wisconsin's 2026 Supreme Court election could significantly impact seniors and retirees, despite receiving little public attention, because the winning justice will serve a 10-year term and help shape court decisions affecting Medicare disputes, healthcare access, elder protection laws, and benefits interpretation. While Medicare and Social Security are federal programs, state courts play a crucial role in how these benefits are administered locally through rulings on provider disputes, coverage conflicts, and patient protections. Voters who depend on healthcare or retirement benefits should pay attention to this judicial race and consider candidates' positions on healthcare and senior protections, since a single justice's decisions can establish precedents affecting seniors for decades.

Law enforcement shut down three call centers in India and arrested six leaders after an FBI investigation uncovered a major fraud scheme targeting 660 Americans who lost over $48 million, including 10 Wisconsin residents who lost more than $500,000. Scammers posed as tech support workers or federal agents, convincing victims their bank accounts were compromised, then tricked them into converting money to cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gold, which was then smuggled overseas and sold. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies, never move money or convert assets based on such calls, and verify any urgent account warnings by calling your bank directly using the number on your official statements.

# Tax Impostor Scams on the Rise in Wisconsin Scammers are impersonating the IRS through unsolicited calls and voicemails claiming consumers owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid penalties or legal action. These fraudulent messages often use fake agent names, case IDs, and threats of arrest or license suspension to sound official, targeting victims who fear legal consequences. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or text—always verify caller identity through BBB.org, never respond to urgent payment demands, and consult with a trusted tax professional before taking any action.

A presentation at a Wisconsin Men's Shed meeting warned senior citizens about online scams while encouraging continued safe internet use. Former Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald shared practical tips including avoiding suspicious links and unsolicited emails, verifying bank contacts directly before sharing information, watching for spelling errors in messages, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts. If fraud occurs, he advised reporting it immediately to your bank and closing compromised accounts, despite the inconvenience of switching accounts and waiting for new cards.

# Romance Scam Summary A 67-year-old woman from Wisconsin lost £60,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a construction worker online, promised her high-return investment opportunities to pay off her debts, then disappeared with her money. The victim has since had to remortgage her home and now works at a supermarket while warning others about the dangers of romance scams. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities from people you've only met online, especially those who quickly build emotional connections and promise guaranteed financial returns.

A 67-year-old widow from Wisconsin lost £60,000 to a romance scam after meeting a man online who posed as a construction worker and promised her high-return investments to solve her financial problems. After she invested the money, the scammer disappeared and cut all contact, forcing her to remortgage her home and take additional work to recover from the loss. The victim is now warning others to be cautious of romance scams and to verify investment opportunities through official channels, particularly when meeting new romantic partners online who quickly discuss financial matters.

Scammers in Northeast Wisconsin are sending fake text messages impersonating Verizon to trick people into providing credit card and banking information through phishing links, with criminals then using the stolen data to make purchases at Wisconsin stores. The texts claim expired reward points need to be redeemed and come from international numbers with slightly altered links to fake websites designed to look legitimate. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited texts, don't share payment or verification information via text, and if you've already fallen victim, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about scams targeting people seeking weight loss and GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which scammers are exploiting due to high demand and limited availability. Fraudsters use fake websites, text messages, deepfake videos of celebrities and doctors, and AI-generated images to trick people into purchasing fake or unsafe products, with victims losing hundreds of dollars and struggling to get refunds. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages about weight loss offers, verify celebrity endorsements independently, only purchase medications from legitimate pharmacies, and avoid clicking links in suspicious texts or ads.

As weight loss medications like Ozempic surge in popularity, scammers are exploiting demand through fake websites, fraudulent texts, and AI-generated celebrity endorsements that trick consumers into buying counterfeit products or handing over personal information. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau reports receiving numerous complaints about these scams, which range from fake doctors promoting bogus weight loss products to phony online pharmacies offering discounted medications that either never arrive or are unsafe. To protect yourself, consumers should only purchase medications from legitimate, licensed pharmacies, verify endorsements directly with official sources, and be wary of unsolicited messages claiming you're eligible for exclusive deals on prescription medications.

In 2025, Wisconsin consumers fell victim to numerous high-impact scams including bank impersonation schemes (often initiated via text), Medicare fraud targeting seniors, and family emergency scams that exploited emotional panic to steal money. The scams affected people across the state, with victims losing thousands of dollars and experiencing lasting psychological distress, while data breaches raised concerns about future identity theft. To protect yourself, verify requests by independently calling your bank or trusted organizations, be skeptical of unsolicited texts and calls asking for money or personal information, and alert bank employees if you suspect fraudulent activity—they may recognize patterns and stop the scam.

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Scammers are increasingly using cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that convert cash into digital currency found in gas stations and grocery stores—to defraud victims by tricking them into depositing money under false pretenses like fake IRS fines or bank hacking alerts. AARP Wisconsin is advocating for state legislation to protect consumers through measures such as daily transaction limits of $2,000, mandatory receipts, and refund options for scam victims. To avoid becoming a target, be skeptical of unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment, especially those directing you to unfamiliar machines or services, and verify any claims directly with the alleged organization through official channels.

Wisconsin ranks first nationally in protecting senior citizens from abuse and fraud, according to a WalletHub study comparing all 50 states and Washington D.C. The state earned a top score of 70.77 due to strong protections including dedicated shelters for victims, numerous elder care organizations, twice-yearly inspections of assisted living facilities, and substantial spending on legal assistance and prevention programs. While Wisconsin has room for improvement in reducing the actual prevalence of elder abuse incidents, seniors there benefit from some of the nation's most comprehensive resources and legal protections against exploitation.

This article describes common scams targeting consumers—including IRS impersonation calls, toll payment texts, and lottery email schemes—and notes that fraud losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from the prior year. Scammers typically use spoofed numbers, demand urgent payment, and attempt to steal personal information or get victims to click malicious links. The article provides five resources for victims: filing complaints with state agencies (Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or Minnesota's Attorney General's Office), reporting to local police and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, contacting AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline at 877-908-

Wisconsin's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection warns that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools—including chatbots for mass messaging, deepfake videos, and voice cloning—to deceive people and steal personal information and money. Scammers leverage AI because it allows them to contact multiple targets simultaneously and maintain convincing conversations. Consumers should watch for typical scam red flags including artificial urgency, suspicious payment requests, and requests for sensitive personal information.