Phone Scams

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has seen a spike in inquiries and complaints about fake Internal Revenue Service (IRS)phone calls (both “live” calls and robocalls).In this pervasive nationwide scam, a caller falsely claims to represent the IRS and warns the call recipients that they are behind on taxes and must make an immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal actions. After threatening victims with jail time, deportation, or driver’s license revocation, scammers may hang up and call a second time, claiming to be with the local police or DMV. Spoofed caller ID Information will often support this claim. DATCP asks consumers to be on the lookout for requests for payments, personal information, or access to their computers during unsolicited calls. 


If you received a similar call, remember:

  • The IRS NEVER asks taxpayers to pay their tax bill using prepaid debit cards, credit/debit cards, or wire transfers over the phone. 
  • If the IRS contacts a consumer about unpaid taxes, they do so by postal mail, not by phone. 
  • Do not be fooled if your caller ID displays “IRS” or the agency’s toll-free number. 
  • Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of the victim’s Social Security number. 
  • Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails to victims after an initial call to support their scam story.  
  • If you receive a threat by robocall, hang up and do not press any buttons during the call.

Consumers are also reaching out to DATCP about other recent phone-based scams, including: 

  • “Card Services” robocalls. An automated caller claims that you can receive a reduced rate on your credit cards using their services. These operations are a national nuisance, and nearly everyone has received at least one of these calls at some point. If you receive this robocall, hang up without pressing any buttons. 
  • Tech support for a “virus” on your computer. A caller who falsely claims to be with a tech support company (typically Microsoft) will tell you that you have a malicious virus on your computer. To remove the virus, the caller will ask you to turn over access to your computer using an online program, giving them full control over your system, and putting your files and personal information at risk. They will also require a credit card to process a payment for their “services”. Hang up immediately if you receive a similar call – regardless of what the so-called “technician” says about any codes or files they claim to find on your system, they do not know about a problem with your computer, and the operation is a scam. 
  • Lotteries and contests. A caller falsely claims that you have won a major prize (often an International-lottery or Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes) and requests that you send them payment for taxes or shipment of your winnings. Never pay a fee to claim a “free” prize.

Below are some additional links from the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection. Please click on the link(s) below to download the documents. 

Again, please remember that a request for money, personal information, or access to your computer from an unsolicited caller is a scam. Hang up the phone, do not press any keys during the call, and do not engage the caller in any way. For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at http://datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov, or call the Consumer Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.