The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office warns of a surge in scam calls, victimizing mostly the elderly out of sums of money

BUFFALO COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) - If the phone is ringing and you do not recognize it, the Buffalo County Sheriff recommends to not answer.

With the elderly being affected the most, a surge of scam calls have robbed victims of their life savings and retirement funds in recent months.

The calls are from international scammers, according to Sheriff Mike Osmond.

Victims have been made to believe a loved one has called for bail money, are in a medical emergency, or victims have been made to believe they are being black mailed.

Due to the complexity of international scams, Sheriff Osmond said there is not much his office can do to help.

Calling his office if you are suspicious about a call is something he said his office will help with.

“I can speak for all the sheriffs in the state of Wisconsin and say we would rather have someone calling in and asking questions if the call is legit rather than see any more folks lose the amount of money that they are,” said Sheriff Osmond.

Any financial transactions over the phone is also something Sheriff Osmond wants to remind everyone that Law Enforcement will not do.

“It would be highly highly unlikely for law enforcement to ever call and request you to send money in any form or fashion. We certainly won’t do crypto currency. We won’t do gift cards,” said Sheriff Osmond.

If you are getting too many scam calls, changing your phone number is something the Sheriff is recommending. When you do, Osmond said to not give your number out freely. Especially if you are online or if solicitors ask you for your number.

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