WPS and law enforcement team up to stop scams

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is partnering with police and sheriff’s departments across northeast and north central Wisconsin to share the warning signs of utility scams. 

The goal is to blanket social media with this important message so no one else becomes a victim.

WPS says to pay attention to these red flags, as scammers may be relentless with their tactics, which includes the following:

·Pretend to be from WPS by spoofing caller ID to display “Wisconsin Public Service” or using a recording that sounds authentic.

·Threaten to turn off energy in a short amount of time.

·Demand immediate payment — often with a prepaid debit card, third-party app like Zelle or Venmo, or an unusual payment method such as cryptocurrency.

·Buy sponsored posts on search engines using the WPS name. Be careful — scammers use these to get you to call a fake phone number and share sensitive information.

·Show up at the door and refuse to show ID.

If suspecting someone of being a scammer, hang up the phone or close the door.

Call WPS at 800-450-7260 for questions about a call, email or text received, or to verify if someone at the door is a WPS employee. Those that have fallen victims to a scam should contact local law enforcement.

For more warning signs, go to the WPS website.