MARATHON COUNTY, Wis. — Authorities are warning the public about a telephone scam in which a caller is posing as a law enforcement officer while attempting to defraud victims of money.
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Department is reporting an increase in the number of such scam complaints, in which the caller identifies himself as either officer or deputy Michael White of the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department, giving a badge number of 9841. But police say no such an officer exists and the badge number is not consistent with the department’s numbering system.
“Deputy White” has been telling potential victims they must withdraw sums of money and send the funds to him to satisfy arrest warrants. He provides citizens with “case numbers” for these warrant in the attempt to make it appear that his call is legitimate, according to a Sheriff’s Department Facebook post. The number that shows up on caller identification appears to be originating from the Colby area.
“The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office does not conduct its operations in this manner, and you should exercise appropriate caution when you are contacted via telephone by individuals communicating with you in this manner and demanding money from you,” officials stated.
