SHAWANO, WI – The Shawano Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert as scammers continue using phone calls, emails, and text messages to trick people into giving away money or personal information.
Police Chief Mike Musolff says one common tactic involves sending an email instructing the recipient to call a phone number about an urgent issue, such as an unpaid traffic citation, a family emergency, or another alarming claim.
“If you get an email and it says, ‘Call this number because of whatever, you owe this traffic citation, somebody’s kidnapped or anything, chances are that’s fake,” Musolff said.
Musolff says scammers often pressure victims into acting quickly by claiming immediate payment is required.
“Scams about you owe money and call this number and please hold and give me your information,” Musolff said. “Don’t do any of those because no government agency is going to contact you and demand you to pay money.”
The chief urges residents to be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages requesting personal or financial information. He says legitimate government agencies will not demand payment over the phone or threaten immediate consequences if money is not sent.
Musolff encourages anyone who receives a suspicious message to avoid calling the number provided, clicking on links, or sharing sensitive information. Instead, residents should independently verify the information by contacting the agency through its official phone number or website.
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