Toll, auto scams target Wisconsin consumers in April 2025
The Brief
People in Wisconsin are being inundated by scam texts about overdue tolls. The texts include links to an impostor's website for payment.
If you get a text about tolls, slow down. Notice of a real tollway payment comes by mail.
Scammers are targeting people who list cars for sale on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. The scammer sends a check for too much money, then asks the seller to send back the difference. The fake check eventually bounces, leaving the seller out their money.
MILWAUKEE - Whether it's a text, phone call or Facebook message, scammers are trying to con Wisconsin consumers from every angle.
What we know
One common scam is almost as irritating as traffic congestion: text messages from fake tollways. Wisconsin Consumer Protection says texts about overdue tolls are inundating people's phones.
"They're not just receiving one message, but multiple messages," said Michelle Reinen, administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection.
The messages include a link to where the driver can make a payment. Reinen says the link leads to the impostor's website. She says the scammers are also after personally identifying information.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
One scam text says, "Your toll balance is outstanding. If you fail to pay ... you will face penalties or legal action."
Reinen says if you get one of these texts: slow down. Notice of a real toll payment comes by mail.
"Report this to your telecommunications provider, so they can try and stop the messages from coming through," said Reinen.
What we know
Another scam targets people listing cars for sale on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The scammer responds to a listing, saying they're interested but don't live nearby. The scammer sends a check asking the seller hold the vehicle until they can pick it up.
The scammer's check is for too much money, so they ask the seller to send the difference back.
"Lo and behold, the check is fake," said Reinen.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Once the check is deposited, the scammer's money temporarily shows up in the seller's bank account. Later on, the check bounces, leaving the car seller out their money. The bank may also charge a penalty for depositing the fake check.
A general rule: never accept a check for more than the selling price.
"Do business with someone who is in-person, face-to-face," said Reinen. "If they can meet partway in a very safe and secure location."
What you can do
If you're the victim of a scam, let the state know and file a complaint.
To notify Contact 6, or seek help with a consumer problem, submit a Contact 6 complaint form.
The Source
Information from this report comes from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. Trade and Consumer Protection.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Posts falsely claim low-cost carriers to introduce standing seats in 2026
"Standing seats in planes: A new reality of budget airlines beginning 2026," reads a Malay-language Facebook post on May 18, 2025. It describes the seats as "a cross between bicycle seats and a standing position" and claims they are being introduced to reduce cost and increase capacity. The post features three images of the vertical, saddle-like seats designed to allow passengers to sit in a semi-upright position. The false claims spread after British tabloid Daily Mail published an article titled "Is this the future of travel? Low cost airlines could launch standing only seats as early as next year" on May 21, 2025 (archived link). The report claims that the SkyRider standing chairs, made by aircraft seat manufacturer Aviointeriors, can increase passenger capacity by 20 percent. Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook. But Aviointeriors clarified in an Instagram post on May 23 that the "standing seats" were merely prototypes dating back to 2012 (archived link). "Designed as a bold response to one of the aviation industry's most pressing challenges, while maximizing space and ergonomics it was never meant to be taken at face value," the company said. A check on Aviointeriors' website also shows the SkyRider standing seats are not part of the company's catalogue (archived link). When contacted by AFP, the EASA confirmed that it had not received applications to certify standing seats in commercial aircraft. "Such seats would pose significant technical challenges, particularly in terms of emergency evacuation," it told AFP, adding that the design of a plane's fuselage does not allow for passengers to stand near windows. "Any airline wishing to introduce this type of seat will face significant challenges, both in terms of aircraft reconfiguration and in demonstrating compliance with strict safety and evacuation requirements." Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair also told AFP that the airline was not considering introducing the seats. However, its head Michael O'Leary said in 2009 that he would not have any problem introducing standing seats on planes, but pointed out that such a move will likely be rejected by the European Union for safety reasons.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
T.J. Watt's potential fines for skipping Steelers mandatory minicamp revealed
T.J. Watt's potential fines for skipping Steelers mandatory minicamp revealed T.J. Watt's contract dispute has led him to no-show Steelers mandatory minicamp — and hefty fines could be the price to pay. Insider Adam Schefter revealed that players on veteran deals could be subjected to up to $100,000 in fines for missing mandatory minicamp — and here is what the Steelers star defender could face per day: Day 1: $17,462 Day 2: $34,925 Day 3: $52,381 Total: $104,768 It remains to be seen if the Steelers will impose the fines, but if Watt's rumored $41 million per year asking price is to be believed, $100K would mean little in the long run. Watt isn't the only edge defender seeking a new contract, as Bengals star DE Trey Hendrickson also skipped mandatory minicamp amid extension talks. While Watt remains absent from mandatory minicamp, all eyes will turn to OLBs Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and rookie Jack Sawyer this offseason. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Couple charged over alleged Thailand cannabis plot
A British couple have been charged with allegedly trying to smuggle more than 50kg of cannabis from Thailand into the UK. Daniel McDonald, 36, and Sian Warren, 35, from Salford, Greater Manchester, were arrested at Heathrow Airport after arriving from the country on 27 May, the National Crime Agency said. The agency said it found suitcases containing 51kg (112lb) of cannabis. The pair have been charged with drugs importation offences and faced Uxbridge Magistrates court last week. They were remanded in custody and will next appear in Isleworth Crown Court on 26 June. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Footballer jailed for £600k drugs smuggling plot National Crime Agency
