Fall in western Wisconsin is a season we all look forward to. The leaves change, hunting season opens, and families start preparing for the holidays ahead. But there’s one part of fall we don’t welcome: a rise in scams targeting our neighbors.
Every year, fraudsters use this busy season to trick people into giving away personal or financial information. At River Bank, we want to help protect your money and your peace of mind. Here’s what to watch for this fall—and how to stay safe.
Why Fall Brings More Scams
Scammers know people are distracted this time of year, and they use that to their advantage. Three areas are especially targeted in western Wisconsin:
- Medicare Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7): Seniors receive mail, phone calls, and ads about their benefits, and scammers use this as an opportunity to pose as Medicare representatives.
- Hunting & Fishing Licenses: Outdoor season brings hunters and anglers online to renew licenses, and fake websites pop up that look like the Wisconsin DNR.
- Holiday Shopping: From October through December, fraudsters create fake online stores, send phishing emails, and post too-good-to-be-true deals on social media.
Common Scams to Watch For
- Medicare Phone Calls
Fraudsters may call claiming to represent Medicare, asking for Social Security numbers or bank details. Medicare will never call out of the blue to request personal information.
- Fake DNR License Sites
Counterfeit websites are designed to look like the official Wisconsin DNR page. These sites collect payment without issuing a valid license. Always use the official Go Wild Wisconsin site or purchase in person from licensed retailers.
- Phishing Emails & Texts
Scammers send messages claiming to be from delivery services, online retailers, or even banks. They often include links to fraudulent sites that steal login credentials.
- Charity Scams
Fall also kicks off the season of giving, and unfortunately, scammers take advantage of that generosity by setting up fake charities.
How to Protect Yourself This Season
- Think Twice Before Sharing Information: Never give out your account numbers, Social Security number, or passwords to unsolicited callers, emails, or texts.
- Shop Securely Online: Look for the “https://” in website addresses, and buy only from trusted, well-known retailers.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create unique passwords for different accounts and consider using a password manager.
- Set Up Account Alerts: River Bank’s mobile and online banking tools let you know right away if unusual activity occurs.
- Talk with Family: Seniors are often targeted. Have conversations with parents and grandparents about these scams.
River Bank Is Here to Help
If you ever suspect fraudulent activity on your River Bank account, reach out to us immediately. Our team will help stop suspicious transactions and guide you through what to do next.
We’re proud to serve our communities! By staying alert and informed, you can enjoy everything this fall has to offer—from a scenic drive along the Mississippi to a day in the woods—without the stress of financial fraud.
