Scams: You DIdn't Win the Lottery, Beware of Gypsies, and the FBI Isn't Emailing You

Muskego Police have received several reports of scams in the past weeks, and are passing along a warning that these are nothing but ways to take your money.

You've won! Now pay up...

The first scam is an "oldie but a goodie," according to Lt. Dave Constantineau, and has to do with you winning the lottery. Residents are receiving phone calls from 876-582-8726 advising that they have won the lottery, and then get bombarded with personal questions from the caller, who will then turn around and use that information to steal their victim’s identity, drain their bank accounts, or convince you to “pre-pay the taxes” on their “winnings.”

Remember, if you didn’t enter a lottery or drawing, and you didn’t give out your phone number, you did not win anything. Don’t be a victim. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Beware of B. Signo

The second scam has to do with substandard driveway sealing. The Menomonee Falls Police Department reported arresting two men after they did sub-standard driveway seal coating. The men, who are operating a tan GMC Sierra Pickup, with Wisconsin license number JC6219, and working under the business name B. Signo Sealcoating and Asphalt, were going door to door handing out fliers offering to do seal coating for a verbally agreed upon (no Contract) $175.00. They then did a sub-standard sealcoating with watered down seal coating. The subjects admitted to being Romanian Gypsies, according to police.

Remember, if someone comes to your door offering to seal your driveway at a ridiculously low price, don’t jump at it. Your driveway is not going to fall apart if you don’t have it sealed that minute. There are many reputable driveway sealing companies. Get some other estimates; look the company up on the internet or call the Better Business Bureau. If they are a reputable company, you will know. I am sure if you call them back a week later, if they are a legitimate business, they will be happy to have your business.

Freeze...It's Not the FBI

The FBI is also warning about a new computer virus which will lock up your computer and then display a message claiming to be from the FBI or the Department of Justice, saying that your computer’s IP address has been associated with an illegal website, and tells the user that they are required to pay a fee, usually $100-$200, to release their computer. After you pay, the screen clears, but the virus is still in your computer.

"Believe me, if you are doing something illegal on your computer, law enforcement is not going to send you a message telling you to pay a fee; we will come and visit you in person," Constantineau said. "Don’t fall for it, and make sure your antivirus and security programs are up to date."