DATCP Alerts Wisconsin to Utility Imposter Scam Surge

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) issued an urgent consumer alert on April 22, 2026, warning of a surge in utility imposter scams targeting residents and businesses across the state.[1] Scammers spoof caller IDs to mimic trusted providers like We Energies or Wisconsin Public Service, claiming overdue accounts and threatening immediate service disconnection unless payment is made on the spot.[1][2] DATCP Public Information Officer Caleb Kulich emphasized that legitimate utilities send multiple notices, often by mail, before any shutoff threats and never demand phone payments.[1] Victims are directed to irreversible payment methods, including barcodes scanned at retail stores, cryptocurrency, gift cards, banking apps or wire transfers.[1][2] One Wisconsin business owner reported to DATCP being instructed to scan a barcode at a store register to cover hundreds of dollars on a fictitious bill.[1] While most incidents involve phone calls, scammers also use emails and texts; DATCP urges consumers to hang up, ignore messages and verify accounts directly via official websites or prior bills.[1][2] The scam wave coincides with broader imposter fraud exploding statewide, fueled by AI sophistication in mimicking banks, government agencies and relatives.[3] Wisconsin consumers and businesses have lost over $107 million to fraud year-to-date through Q3 2025, with the Wisconsin Bankers Association highlighting utility and bank spoofing as top tactics.[3] Earlier in January 2026, DATCP reported government imposter schemes via convincing emails faking local officials to collect phony tax or permit fees.[4]