Community Briefing

West Bend Savings account holders, beware! – a ‘vishing’ scam currently running in Wisconsin is trying to break into your savings account. Using an automated message, the scam may call you at your home with the ruse that your account security has been compromised. You are asked to call at a particular number and key in your account and PIN numbers, to set things right.

Interestingly, while your Caller-Id may say the call is from the local West Bend Savings branch, the caller may actually be sitting hundreds (or maybe thousands) of miles away. Internet-based 262 phone numbers, said to be used by the scammers in this case, can make this thing happen.

The bank’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Larson believes the calls were triggered over the weekend. He pointed out that you don’t have to be an account holder with the bank to receive this call. The bank received thousands of calls from Dodge, Washington and Ozaukee Counties indicating that the fraudsters may be carpet-bombing the Wisconsin area with such calls. Fraudsters are hoping one-in-a-thousand to bite the bait and give away their money.

This is the second time in about six months that the bank has been made the target of this scam. It was December last when the scam first hit the bank. It seems, that attempt was successful enough for the scammers to order an encore.

There is no reason for falling to such scams. Think of it. Why should banks ever call you asking for your Account Number. They already have it.

In any case, if they have your phone number then surely they ought to have your account number as well!

Source: 620WTMJ.com

The Brown Deer Police Department would like to alert residents, specifically the senior citizens, of a current crime spree involving suspects impersonating healthcare workers.  In surrounding jurisdictions, several elderly victims were approached at home by three female suspects.  The suspects were dressed in healthcare smocks, which resembled what a nurse at a healthcare facility would wear.  The suspects identified themselves as “from the hospital” and were at the residence to check on the elderly resident.  In three of the cases the victims were recently treated at a healthcare facility. 

Also, in three of the cases the female suspects convinced the elderly resident and were eventually allowed into the residence. In one of the cases, the females were not allowed into the residence, so they left and then returned to the residence, forcing their way inside of the residence.  Once inside of the residence, the suspects take valuable items from the victim. 

Here are some suggestions to prevent yourself from becoming a victim and/or if you already have healthcare personnel completing at-home visits:

1. If you have healthcare personnel visiting you on a regular basis, verify with the agency if you have a surprise/unscheduled visit.
2. Verify that the subject has identification for themselves and the facility that they are employed with (preferably a photo i.d. card).
3. Do not allow anyone inside your residence that you are unsure of.
4. Look out a window prior to opening your door and if you do not recognize the subject, or are not expecting a visitor, then do not open the door.
5. If in doubt, call the police.