Muskego Police Warn of Possible Phone Scam

Muskego police have received two calls this week from people reporting a new telephone scam, according to Lt. Dave Constantineau. 

"The caller told our complainants that they were the lucky winner of a new hybrid car.  When one of our complainants asked how the caller got her information, the caller became belligerent, asked what it mattered, and ultimately hung up," he said.  "I don’t know, call me crazy, but for some reason, I don’t think she really won a new car."

Constantineau commended the residents for exercising caution and realizing that as with many things, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

"I want to congratulate them for being skeptical and asking questions.  In my experience, there is always going to be a catch..." he said. "If you get a call, and it doesn’t sound right, ask questions, and if they don’t have the answers, hang up, and all you will have lost was a little time."

Constantineau said the call came from number 866-430-3177,and in a follow up call to the number to obtain comment, Patch was unable to reach anyone.  The business identifies that you have called "the prize distribution center," and that you will need to enter an extension or hold for an operator.  The call is then transferred to a mailbox that cannot accept messages.

The company apparently has been operating for at least five years, if complaint forums on suspect 800 numbers is any indication.  Some consumers have been told they've won cars, others listed travel or cash as prizes they've won for contests they never entered.