Authorities: Con artists target local residents

By Tim Damos / News Republic

Local law enforcement agencies are warning citizens to watch out for a scam in which con artists pretend to be relatives in dire need of money.

One day last week, three Baraboo residents reported getting phone calls from someone claiming to be a family member stuck in Canada, said Baraboo Police Lt. Mark Schauf.

The scams are generally targeting elderly individuals.

The callers do not identify themselves, but address the elderly person as "grandma or grandpa," Schauf said.

Sometimes the caller says they have been in a crash with a rental car and need immediate funds before they are allowed to leave the country.

"They tell (the victim) to go to Walgreens or Wal-Mart or any place that has MoneyGram, and they have them wire the money to Canada," Schauf said.

He said no one should give personal information to an unknown person or business over the phone. People should be suspicious of anyone seeking money, Schauf said.

The Sauk County Sheriff's Department has been notified of a similar scam in which the con artist claims to be a grandchild in jail who has lost their passport and is in need of money, according to a press release from Sauk County Chief Deputy Chip Meister.

People should also watch for scams in which they have allegedly won a sum of money, but are required to make an initial payment before receiving their winnings, the release said.

Anyone who feels they have been targeted should contact their local police agency or the Sauk County Sheriff's Department.