By Annette Newcomb~Editor
A Twin Lakes resident’s quick thinking saved her from becoming a victim of a scam last week, when she turned the tables on the scammers and started asking questions.
Beverly Beyer told Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputies she received a phone call Aug. 21 from someone who said they were from the sheriff’s department, attempting to collect on a debt she does not owe.
Beyer told deputies the sheriff department’s main phone number appeared on her caller ID. The caller identified himself as Lt. Moore from the sheriff’s department. Beyer told deputies the caller told her if she did not pay there “would be consequences with the police.” She said she believed it was a scam and let the caller talk. She said the caller was overbearing and aggressive.
When she asked for a badge number, the caller said, “I know you’re not going to pay and” and disconnected the call.
Beyer told deputies she is concerned for elderly people who could be scammed by these calls.
Deputy Klinkhammer handled the complaint and noted in his report that several Milwaukee police agencies have had their phone numbers spoofed on caller ID programs recently. Most of those calls were believed to have originated out of New York City.
When the Kenosha County Sheriff calls, the number is blocked on caller ID.
Never give out personal or financial information to anyone over the phone. Call the police if you believe you have been contacted by a scammer.
To learn more, log on to www.fcc.gov/guides/caller-id-spoofing on how to file a complaint with the FCC