- The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is alerting customers to potential frauds this month.
- The state received a report about a fake letter that was pretending to be from Medicare.
- DATCP is likewise cautioning people about fraudsters providing assistance with student loan payments.
MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Department of Trade & Consumer Protection is highlighting its key consumer alerts for June.
Student loan debt scams
Why you should careThe deadline has arrived for tackling student loan debts related to defaulted federal loans. As of May 5, the U.S. Department of Education restarted its recovery actions. This move brings back automatic measures such as wage garnishment and cuts to Social Security benefits, which had been paused until now. COVID-19 pandemic .
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It presents a golden chance for scammers.
Since 2020, we've seen numerous alterations, halts, initiations, and suspensions," stated Michelle Reinen, who leads the Wisconsin Division of Trade & Consumer Protection. "Whenever there’s uncertainty, fraudsters attempt to capitalize by causing distractions.
Reinen is cautioning those who have taken out federal loans for education not to fall prey to any communication offering assistance with repayment that involves upfront charges or time-limited deals. According to Reinen, con artists might additionally claim they can provide instant loan forgiveness or elimination.
We can't make any promises," stated Reinen. "They aren’t aware of the details, your specific conditions, or the current situation.
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Reinen suggests that borrowers should avoid sharing their Federal Student Aid ID, also known as the FSA ID, with anyone over the phone. Scammers might utilize this ID to gain entry into an account and seize control of sensitive details.
Old-school letter mailing scams
Why you should careIn June, one prevalent deception resurfacing involves classic methods: deceptive correspondence sent through the postal system.
A correspondence mailed to someone in Wisconsin purports to come from Medicare. The letter asserts that the addressee needs to act promptly to prevent penalties associated with delayed registration. Alongside this warning were purportedly useful guidelines and data, coupled with an illegitimate web address and contact telephone number.
It included a survey," stated Reinen. "This survey would request personally identifiable information.
Warning for Parents About Video Games
Why you should careThe last caution is directed at parents who contribute to their children's increased screen time during the summer when they have more free hours to spare.
Reinen advises parents to establish boundaries around in-app buys and game downloads. She suggests perusing online assessments prior to obtaining applications or video games, along with defining explicit household guidelines for their usage.
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"Discuss the crucial aspects of handling finances, making online payments, and engaging in chatrooms or messaging platforms," stated Reinen.
Reinen suggests observing your kid as they play the game.
“Occasionally check back into the game as the levels progress,” stated Reinen.
Report a scam
What you can doIndividuals who encounter any of the scams mentioned earlier can report them to the authorities. The Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) handles these cases. form you can complete digitally online .
The details in this Contact 6 report originate from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection.