Computer Fraud Warning

April 01, 2026
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two similar instances of fraud in which citizens were scammed out of substantial sums of money. 
The contact originated on a home computer, where the victims were told their bank accounts had been hacked. They are then told they can rectify a financial loss by taking specific steps. They are then directed to complete some forms and download social media apps for a “more secure communication experience”.
In one case from the fall of 2025, a resident of Pleasant Springs had just bought a new computer (possibly refurbished) when they were alerted that their bank accounts had been hacked. They were advised to download WhatsApp for communication. Ultimately, the scammers convinced them to send $12,000 via UPS to an address in California. 
A second case from March of this year was even more devastating. A Windsor resident received a notification on his computer that his bank accounts had been hacked. In addition, he was accused of money laundering and drug trafficking with other countries. The scammers claimed to be with the U.S. Marshals, convincing the man to send multiple payments through the mail. On several occasions, they even sent a person to his home to collect the cash. The estimated financial loss in this case ranges from $296,000 to $346,000. 
Sheriff’s Office investigators urge people to be vigilant when responding to any computer alerts, emails, or phone calls claiming to be from a financial institution. If you receive such a message, contact your financial institution directly. DO NOT disclose personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, or middle initial, with anyone claiming to represent the government or a financial institution. Official correspondence will never take place on social media. A government agency or financial institution will never ask you to send money via the mail.
The effort and attention to detail scammers put into their schemes make these scams very convincing. So before you say, “I would never fall for that,” remember that you might have already lowered your guard, and you could be their next victim.