LINCOLN COUNTY OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS TO STAY VIGILANT AS NEW SCAM ACTIVITY SURFACES
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and County Clerk of Courts are alerting the public to a significant increase in inquiries and complaints received regarding a new scam spreading across our region this week. Reports stated scammers are calling residents and telling them they missed “Grand Jury Duty”, specifically referencing January 12th as the date in question, most likely in an attempt to create urgency.
The calls are coming from phone number 715-814-3041, and those that have attempted a call back are greeted with a message identifying the source as the “Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office”. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that neither the phone number nor the message is connected with them.
County officials have assembled this list of tips for community members to follow for protection against scam activity:
* Recognize typical signs of a scam…non-local number (though it is likely spoofed to begin with, this one in particular comes up as being a “Mosinee” number), heavy accent of the caller(s), etc.
* If you are suspicious, hang up and call our official number at 715-536-6272. Though most of our truly “official” business such as this would typically be conducted in-person, there are times we may contact you by telephone. We will completely understand your suspicion and the desire to protect yourself. When you hang up and call us back you can be directed to the deputy/employee that is trying to contact you.
* Do not share your personal or financial information with anyone suspicious.
* As in all things, stay vigilant.
