WI DOJ Cautions People to be on Alert for Identity Theft Scam

Caller Identifies Themselves as "Officer Smith" with the United Law Enforcement and Investigation Department 

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Justice is urging folks to be on guard against a recent phishing scam that has recently appeared in Wisconsin. Recently, the Department of Justice received reports of people calling homes and cell phones in an attempt to gain personal information.

Wisconsin residents  have been contacted by a man identifying himself as "Officer Smith with the United Law Enforcement and Investigation Department." The caller provided a phone number (814) 273-1518 and attempted to gain the persons' Social Security Number and other information.

"The Wisconsin Department of Justice wants to take this opportunity to remind folks that identity theft is a serious problem in Wisconsin," said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. "Never give your personal identifying information out without fully confirming the source of the call and circumstances."

Legitimate businesses or legal representatives will not ask for personal identifying information on the phone or through an unsecured e-mail. "If you should receive a call trying to solicit this information or any type of personal identifying data, do not give it out," cautioned Van Hollen.

"Phishing Scams" are attempts made by individuals to fraudulently gain access to protected or personal information that could compromise a person's identity. Typically these attempts are made over the internet or through e-mails and will have the appearance of an "official" correspondence seeking a reply.