MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

Sheriff warns about new scam circulating locally

By Greg Bebermeyer

07/25/2025

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says the Sheriff's Office has received several complaints from residents about an alarming scam involving potential harm to family members circulating in the area.

The caller is identifying themselves as a law enforcement officer and gives the resident a badge number.

The caller tells them that their son or daughter has been arrested, even giving their correct name.

The resident is advised to go to the local Wal-Mart and stay on the phone the entire time. They are told not to talk to anyone, especially the police. There is an alleged meeting to take place at the store.

Merchant said when it was found out that one of the resident's had talked with another family member, the caller became upset and stated their child had interrupted a drug deal and would be killed.

According to reports, the caller had an accent.

Family members checked and verified the sons/daughters were all ok.

Merchant said this alarming scam is intended to coerce or intimidate the resident to comply with monetary demands.

He said credible law enforcement will not contact you in such a way, and if you receive such a call, report it to your local law enforcement at once.

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.