Racine County Sheriff's Office impersonator scam; what to know
Racine County Sheriff's Office
RACINE, Wis. - The Racine County Sheriff's Office warned the public on Saturday of scammers who are calling people and claiming to be a member of the sheriff's office.
According to the sheriff's office, scammers have left voicemails claiming to be "Lt. Dan Klatt" and asking people to call back at a telephone number that is not associated with the sheriff's office. The scammers likely have a story that demands money – at times in the form of gift cards – to avoid arrest or jail.
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What you can do
Anyone who wants to verify the authenticity of a call from the sheriff's office should call the Racine County non-emergency number – 262-886-2300 – and ask to speak to the person who called or left the message.
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The sheriff's office urges anyone who receives such a call not to give any money and not to give any personal information. The sheriff's office also posted the following advice on its Facebook page:
- Verify the caller: If you receive a call claiming to be from the sheriff's office or any other authoritative organization, it's always best to independently verify the authenticity of the call. Use the official non-emergency number provided by the sheriff’s office to confirm whether the call is legitimate.
- Do not share personal information: Never share personal or sensitive information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain of the caller's identity and their need for that information. Legitimate organizations will not typically request confidential information over the phone without proper verification processes.
- Be wary of urgent requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into providing information or taking action without thinking it through. If you receive a call demanding immediate attention to a legal matter, take a step back and verify the legitimacy of the request before proceeding.
- Report suspicious calls: If you believe you have received a scam call, report it to the appropriate authorities. This can help in tracking and preventing further fraudulent activity.
- Educate others: Spread awareness about these types of scams within your community to help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to be cautious when receiving unexpected calls asking for personal information.