Dear Residents,

We have recently been made aware of scam calls targeting our community. Callers are falsely claiming to be from the Dane County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) and stating that there is a warrant for the resident's arrest due to missing jury duty obligations. They then demand a fine to remove the warrant. The caller is using a spoofed number to make it appear as a legitimate DCSO number. Additionally, they are directing residents to go to their local bank to withdraw money and convert it to cryptocurrency for payment.

If you receive such a call, we advise you to:

1.    Ask the caller for their name and contact information.

2.    Inform the caller that you will coordinate through the Maple Bluff Police Department to address the issue.

3.    Hang up and report the incident to the Maple Bluff Police Department through Dane County Dispatch Non-Emergency at (608) 255-2345.

Additional Recommendations:

• Do not provide personal information or payment over the phone. Legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request payment via phone or direct residents to convert money to cryptocurrency.

• Be cautious of urgent requests for money or personal information.

• Educate yourself and others: Share information about this scam with friends, family, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to such tactics.

• Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

• Use call-blocking technology: Consider using apps or services that can block suspected scam calls.

• Verify with official sources: Always contact the official number of any agency to verify claims before taking any action.

• Stay informed: Follow updates from local law enforcement and consumer protection agencies about ongoing scams and fraud prevention tips.

• Report all scam attempts: Even if you did not fall victim, reporting scam attempts helps authorities track and stop these activities.

Stay vigilant and help spread the word to protect our community from these scams.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Maple Bluff Police Department