Cash Bond Scam Targeting ‘Elderly Victims’ in Northeast Wisconsin, Officials Warn

A phone with an unknown caller ID on August 15, 2022. This is what a scam call might look like based on the caller ID. (WLUK)

(WTAQ-WLUK) — Law enforcement agencies in Northeast Wisconsin are alerting residents about a cash bond scam targeting elderly victims.

According to a news release Wednesday from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office, authorities are receiving “an increasing number of reports” of scammers making fraudulent cash bond requests.

“Scammers are targeting elderly victims by phone and advising victims their loved ones are in jail or have been involved in an accident and in need of immediate financial assistance,” the release states.

The scammers are asking victims to withdraw large sums of cash ($5,000-$45,000) and asking to standby as a “courier / bondsman” would be arriving shortly to take custody of their “bond.”

The Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, De Pere Police Department, Fox Valley Metro Police Department and Ashwaubenon Public Safety “to identify and arrest those individuals responsible.”

Officials say you should never entertain such a request or provide any financial assistance. Instead, you are encouraged to contact your local police department.

Always remember these key points:

1. Verify the information – Always verify the identity of the caller. If you receive a call asking for money, hang up and contact the local jurisdiction or police department directly using a trusted phone number.
2. Do not withdraw / send cash – Scammers often ask for cash or prepaid debit cards. Under no circumstances should you send money without verifying the request.
3. Report suspicious activity – If you suspect you or someone you know has been a victim of this scam, please report it.
4. Spread the word – Share this information with friends and family to help protect our communities and prevent these scams from continuing.

If you have any additional information or have experienced similar incidents, you are urged to contact one of the following:

• Detective Sgt. Michael Horst, Brown County Sheriff’s Department – (920) 448-4236
• Investigator Aaron Dufek, Ashwaubenon Public Safety – (920) 593-4474
• Detective Aaron Hanson, DePere Police Department – (920) 339-4084 (Ext. 1279)
• Detective James Wall, Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office – (920) 832-5498