KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Authorities are warning the public after a newly-discovered phone scam nearly derailed a woman’s scheduled court appearance in Kenosha County.
On Monday afternoon, Pleasant Prairie Police arrested a local woman who later posted the statutory bail amounts and was released. But less than 24 hours later, both she and her mother received alarming phone calls from a man identifying himself as “Sgt. Lance Carter” of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. The caller’s number appeared as 262-666-5386.
According to both women, the caller claimed that the bail they had paid the day before was short by $841.56 and falsely stated that a correctional officer had been fired for failing to collect the full amount. The impersonator warned them that if the money wasn’t paid immediately, a warrant would be issued for the woman’s arrest.
The scammer also told the woman she did not need to appear in court for her scheduled initial appearance Tuesday Afternoon—advice that, if followed, could have led to a warrant for failure to appear.
Pleasant Prairie Police Chief Dave Smetana confirmed to Kenosha County Eye that the call was a scam, as did Kenosha Police Department Captain James Beller. Chief Justin Miller with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department also confirmed the calls were hoaxes.
Authorities are urging residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls involving legal matters or bail payments. Law enforcement officials emphasize that no legitimate agency will demand payment over the phone or instruct individuals to skip court appearances.
Investigators have not identified the caller, and it’s unclear how he obtained the victims’ contact information or details about the recent arrest.
Anyone who receives a similar call is urged to contact their local police department immediately.
