Latest news with #WisconsinDivisionofTradeandConsumerProtection
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wisconsin consumer warnings; state warns public what to watch for
The Brief When hiring a home contractor, take steps to protect your project and investment. Watch out for scammers in March targeting the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period. Be on the lookout for fake invoices that appear to come from PayPal. MILWAUKEE - A hasty decision can lead to big-time regret. Especially when you're handing over money. Michelle Reinen, administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, spoke to Contact 6 about three consumer warnings for March. What we know Have a home improvement project in mind for the summer? Take a few steps to protect your investment, starting with the contractor you hire. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "You need to do your research and check them to see if there's any complaints," said Reinen. "Talk to references they may have." Other tips: Get more than one estimate for your project Make sure all bids are for the same work and materials Get a written contract Ask to see your contractor's license and certifications Lastly, demand a lien waiver notice What we know Watch out for scammers targeting Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, which runs through March 31. "You never want to take at face value what an ad, a broker, or anybody calling you out of the blue tells you their plan is going to cover," said Reinen. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance as an alternative to traditional Medicare. You can get helping comparing plans at or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. "Consider things you like best about your plan and make sure those are going to be available in a new plan," said Reinen. What we know Be on the lookout for fake invoices that appear to come from PayPal. These scam invoices usually arrive by email. "It's just a scammer trying to convince a consumer to hand over money," said Reinen. "As well as personal information about their PayPal account." SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Reinen says if you get a suspicious money request, don't pay it. Don't call any phone numbers offered or click links. Don't send money as cryptocurrency. "It's just phishing. They're are just trying to catch someone off-guard that may have a PayPal account," said Reinen. What you can do If you've experienced one of these scams, or have a problem with a contractor, let the state know and file a complaint. To find out if Contact 6 can help, fill out a submission form. The Source Information in this report is from the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection and was produced by the Contact 6 team.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wisconsin scam warnings for February 2025
The Brief If you get an unexpected package in the mail, it could be a brushing scam. You can file taxes early and securely to protect yourself from tax return identity theft. Artificial intelligence is being used to make romance scams more convincing. MILWAUKEE - Free isn't always a good thing. Sometimes, it's a red flag. Michelle Reinen, administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, spoke to Contact 6 about three scams to watch out for in February. What they're saying An unexpected package on your doorstep isn't always a good thing. It could be what's called the "brushing scam." SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "You have not ordered it. It's completely unexpected," said Reinen. "It's not a gift from someone." Reinen said inside the package may be knockoff jewelry, beauty products or electronics. She said you got it for free to drive up the appearance of the scammer's online sales. "They're trying to 'brush up' their rating or their score on a website where the product has been purchased," said Reinen. "That way, they will have a higher rating." The scammer might post fake reviews for the product using your name. Or, the package includes a QR code that takes you to a phishing website. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "We're very concerned that by going there and clicking anything, you could end up with malware or some sort of virus on your computer," said Reinen. What they're saying Another scam to watch out for in February is tax return identity theft. "Some identity thieves get enough information that they can file a tax return in your name, using your information, but directing the return to the scammer," said Reinen. What you can do You can lock down your information by filing taxes early. You should drop off your tax returns inside the post office, or file electronically using a secure Wi-Fi connection. You can also get an identity protection PIN number from the IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Place a security freeze on your credit report if you haven't already. Be aware that scammers are using AI to make romance scams even more convincing. AI can be used to create fake photos. Chatbots can be used for connecting with potential victims. Reinen said don't call for what's called "love bombing." "That immediate interest," said Reinen. "Too much connection, too soon." Red flags include any offers to invest money together, including in cryptocurrency. Be wary of any plans to meet up, especially ones thwarted by financial hurdles. Look at the person's history on the platform. "Is it a short history or is it a long history?" asked Reinen. "If they haven't been on the platform for very long, this can be a scammer who just set up a profile." What you can do If you've experienced these scams, let the state know; submit a complaint on the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection website. The Source Information in this report is from the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection and was produced by the Contact 6 team.
