Oak Creek police: Fraud calls targeting shoppers on the rise

Fraud calls targeting shoppers on the rise

The Oak Creek Police Department is warning residents after seeing an increase in calls for service from people being defrauded while out shopping.

OAK CREEK, Wis. - The Oak Creek Police Department is warning residents after seeing an increase in calls for service from people being defrauded while out shopping. 

Warning to residents

What we know:

In a post on the Oak Creek Police Department Facebook page, officials said suspects have been approaching shoppers at grocery stores and requesting money to support a friend’s funeral expenses. 

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Officials said the suspects typically refrain from taking cash and demand a credit or debit card. The suspects then charge a significantly greater amount to the card than they initially asked for (sometimes into the thousands of dollars).

What they're saying:

"It's getting worse and worse and worse," said Gail Rygiewicz, a shopper. "I am reluctant to give to any of the donations unless I give it to a person that's face to face and I know they needed it, I don't anymore."

"We have to know who we're giving to, we want to make sure our hard-earned money gets into the right hands," said Lisa Schiller, BBB Senior Director of Investigations & Media Relations.

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Be aware

What you can do:

If you are approached by someone demanding your credit or debit card information, do not feel the need to give any personal or financial information to them. 

Officials said do not hesitate to call the police department dispatch center at 414-762-8200.