Washington County, WI – Residents across Washington County are being targeted by a new wave of scam phone calls today involving fake demands for payment tied to GPS monitoring or the release of someone from custody. Local deputies say the fraudulent calls have increased in recent days and are urging the public to avoid providing any payment information.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, callers are impersonating law enforcement and claiming that immediate fees are required for an ankle monitor or to secure someone’s release. Officials stressed that the Sheriff’s Office will never call residents to request payment for these services and that any such demand is a clear sign of a scam.
Deputies said the calls often use urgent or threatening language to pressure victims into sending money electronically. Scammers may also spoof the Sheriff’s Office phone number to appear legitimate. Authorities recommend hanging up immediately if contacted and verifying any law enforcement communication through official channels.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to share this warning with family members, especially older adults who are frequently targeted in financial scams. Anyone who has received one of these fraudulent calls is encouraged to report it to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line.
As scam tactics continue to evolve, officials remind residents that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not demand payments over the phone, nor do they accept gift cards, money-transfer apps, or cryptocurrency as forms of payment.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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