Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office Warns Of High-Tech Phone Scam Being Reported

A Wisconsin Sheriff's Office is warning the public of a new high-tech twist on a classic phone scam to be on the lookout for.

The Ashland County Sheriff's Office issued an alert via their social media late last week (January 31) that there is once again a phone scam being reported that tries to get money out of victims by making them think the scammer is someone they know.

According to the department, modern technology is making it easier for criminals to trick their victims.

Here's what you need to know.

How does this scam being reported by the Ashland County Sheriff's Office work?

The basic premise is that a scammer will call their potential victim claiming to be a relative or a friend. During this call, the scammer will say they got into an accident, and need money.

They will then usually ask the victim to wire them money, playing on the trust someone may have for a friend or family member.

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These types of scams have been around for a number of years, but new technologies are making it easier for scammers.

What are the new technologies being used by scammers in these phone scams?

The specific thing the Ashland County Sheriff's Office points out in their Facebook post is that artificial intelligence technologies can allow a scammer to pretty easily clone or "copy" someone's voice.

This can make it even easier to convince that they are a friend or family member.

How can you protect yourself?

The department says if you get a call like this, it is important to verify who you're talking to by another means beyond the call initiated by the potential scammer.

Being scammers using this type of tactic pose as someone you may know, it is likely you'll have at least one method of communication with the actual person they are posing as.

If they call, text, or email you, try contacting the person they are posing as through another means to try to verify the person contacting you is actually the person you know and actually needs your help.

Scammers try to create a sense of urgency and prey on emotion, so taking a moment to assess the situation and verify who you are speaking with can help you avoid falling for the trap they are setting.