July 7, 2023

New Scam You Should Be Aware Of

Friend, 

Scammers are always looking for new ways to obtain our information. We have all become too familiar with phishing scam calls, texts, and emails that ask us to click a link or urgently respond. I'm working to end these spam messages and protect you. Until we are successful at ending these scams, I wanted to share some resources available to you to prevent being scammed and protect your information, and share a new scam the IRS is warning Americans about. 

The IRS has issued a warning for a new scam mailing that tries to mislead you into believing you are owed a refund. The scam involves a new mailing that comes in a cardboard envelope from a delivery service with the IRS's logo on the top. Learn more about the specifics of this scam here.

We should all be aware of the scams trying to gain access to our personal information. Remember these key tips from the IRS when you are being asked to share personal information: 

• Be wary of unexpected or unsolicited packages: Exercise caution when receiving packages from unfamiliar or suspicious sources, especially if they request personal information
• Verify the legitimacy: You can contact the delivery service provider directly to confirm the authenticity of any unusual delivery requests before providing any personal information
• Protect your personal information: Never share sensitive data, such as bank account details or photographs, in response to an unsolicited request or suspicious communication
• Report suspicious activity: If you encounter this or any other fraudulent scheme, properly report it to the IRS, your state's tax agency, or the appropriate law enforcement authority.

Common Scams To Be Aware Of

We can all stay one step ahead of common scam techniques. 

Medicare Scams: 

The Medicare Scam often involves a caller pretending to work for Medicare. The caller says they need to verify your bank account number to continue or to provide additional benefits or services. This is a scam to steal your bank information and your identity. Remember: Medicare will never call you and ask for your bank account information. 

Charity Scams: 

In these schemes, donations are solicited for fake charities, often designed to pull on your heartstrings after major tragedies or natural disasters. Remember: Never make donations over the phone and instead ask the caller to send you more information. If it's a legitimate organization, this won't be a problem. 

Phishing / Vishing Scams

In these schemes, individuals will receive a call or email telling them to call a customer service telephone number or visit a webpage to "fix a problem" with their bank or credit card account. The phone number and webpage are both fake and will attempt to get the victim to enter their account information. Remember: Do not respond to any emails, phone calls, or voicemails that request personal or financial information, especially the ones that use pressure tactics or prey on fear. 

Always protect your information and never give your information to anyone or any institution you don't know and trust. If you have received a scam, there are ways to report it. Here are some additional resources you can contact if you receive a scam.

• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Wisconsin's primary consumer protection agency. If you find yourself the victim of a scam, don't hesitate to contact this department at [email protected] or (800) 422-7128 to report the scam. 
• Federal Communications Commission: The Federal Government's agency where you can file complaints for solicitations that you believe violate the FCC rules. https: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov, (888) 225-5322. 

As always, if you receive a message from a federal agency that is concerning to you, please don't hesitate to call me. My office phone numbers are below. My team works with our federal agencies on a daily basis and can try to help. 

• Rock County: 608-752-4050
• Kenosha County: 262-654-1901
• Racine & Walworth County: 262-637-0510
• Milwaukee County: 414-285-2120

On Wisconsin,

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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