Consumer Alert: 2025's Worst Scams and Heroic Heroes

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The Scams of 2025: A Year of Deception and Awareness

GREEN BAY, Wis. – As we look ahead to 2026, it’s essential to reflect on the deceptive tactics that dominated the year in 2025. From an overwhelming number of scam texts to a surge in cryptocurrency fraud, the landscape of consumer threats has evolved significantly.

Real Stories from Victims

One of the most harrowing experiences came from Jill Dougherty, an Ashwaubenon resident who fell victim to a bank impersonation scam. “I’m haunted by it every day. I can’t get the money back,” she shared. Her story began with a simple text message, which led to a series of actions that ultimately cost her thousands of dollars.

Dougherty described how she withdrew $2,000 at a time and stuffed it into an ATM, while the scammer simultaneously uploaded a new digital card to her Apple phone. This level of sophistication highlights the growing complexity of these schemes.

Another Wells Fargo customer, Laura Prellwitz, had a similar experience. She was contacted by an impersonator who accurately knew her last three transactions. However, her story took a different turn when a bank employee overheard her conversation with her husband. “She said, ‘Ma’am, this is a scam, and you’re the third person today that has come in with the story,’” Prellwitz recalled.

Scams Targeting the Elderly

The Medicare scam also made headlines, particularly in Suamico. A senior citizen was targeted by a man who claimed to have worked for Medicare for 29 years. “It sounded legitimate. He just kept pushing that, and I gave in,” the victim explained. This incident underscores the vulnerability of the elderly to such scams.

In Waupaca County, a family emergency scam left an elderly couple in a panic. A caller mimicking the voice of their son caused the parents to withdraw money from the bank. The woman at the bank recognized the signs of a scam and called for verification. “My mom, she was crying,” the victim shared.

Lisa Schiller of the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau emphasized the emotional toll of these scams. “This could give somebody a heart attack. This is beyond words. Disgusting.”

Data Breaches and Digital Threats

In 2025, many individuals faced the distress of having their information hacked during one of the year's data breaches. Howard Pope expressed his concerns about the potential misuse of stolen data. “When are these perpetrators going to use this information? Are they going to be lurking?” he asked.

Additionally, fake highway toll texts and threats of DMV fines flooded Wisconsin and other states. These messages often tricked people into clicking links or providing personal information.

Unusual Forms of Fraud

Even the world of collectibles was not immune to fraud. Jake, from the Green Bay Card Shop, showed a counterfeit Pokemon card valued at $800. “The majority of people who end up with fake cards are kids,” he noted.

Cryptocurrency scams also saw a significant rise. Manitowoc Police Capt. Cooper Schmidt highlighted the challenges of recovering lost funds. “Our heart breaks for them because often this money is transferred so quickly in the crypto world from wallet to wallet. It ends up overseas before law enforcement is even made aware of it.”

Tips for Staying Safe

Consumer First Alert provided crucial warnings to help protect against future scams. “I’ve learned since, Wells Fargo will never, ever call like that,” Prellwitz advised. She urged others to always call their bank and check with a family member.

Aaron Dufek, an Ashwaubenon Public Safety Investigator, recommended, “Call relatives.” Michelle Reinen, administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, added, “Continue to monitor your identity. Continue to monitor your credit report.”

Dougherty, reflecting on her experience, said, “I can’t undo what happened, but I can be the voice of this silent majority. I feel good that you helped me share my story.”

Thank you to the viewers who share their personal stories and who share what they learn from Consumer First Alert with their own family members, friends, and coworkers to keep them ahead of the scammers.