Recap: Madison Scam Jam - September 30, 2025

AARP Wisconsin hosted a Scam Jam in Madison on September 30, 2025. The event was designed to inform attendees about the latest scams and to provide an opportunity to connect directly with professionals working to fight fraud.

If you couldn't attend the event, or if you did attend and wanted to return to some of the content we covered, check out the post below for more information!

AARP Fraud Watch Network
AARP is a non-profit non-partisan organization that offers a free fraud prevention program called the Fraud Watch Network. Visit our website for guides on common scams, articles about trending fraud stories, and more. Contact our state office to schedule a presentation in your community!

Website: aarp.org.fraudwatchnetwork (Spanish: www.aarp.org/fraude)
Wisconsin State office Email: wistate@aarp.org
Wisconsin State office Phone: 866-448-3611
Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
Fraud Watch Network Support groups: aarp.org/support


Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dane County
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dane County provides information about resources and support on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability. The ADRC is a one-stop shop for older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers and families. ADRC staff are unbiased and knowledgeable professionals who listen to your concerns, help clarify your options and direct you to appropriate resources. The ADRC is also the access point for information about long-term care options and applying for public benefits. Services provided by the ADRC are free and available to all Dane County residents regardless of income or assets.
Website
Toll-Free: (855) 417-6892
Phone: (608) 240-7400
Front Desk Receptionist: (608) 240-7474
Email: ADRC@danecounty.gov


Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin
The Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance marketplace trust by creating a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. They provide balance by calling out substandard business behavior (scams, fraud, etc) and recognizing ethical, trustworthy businesses through the BBB Accreditation program.

The BBB provides consumer education about scams and frauds through the BBB Wisconsin Speakers Bureau.  Click here for a list of topics, and to request a speaker at your next event.

Report scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker

Website
Phone: 414-847-6000 (9 am - 4pm, M-F)


Dane County Sheriff's Office
The Dane County Sheriff's Office can help you navigate fraud and scams.
Website
Phone: (608) 284- 6800


WI Dept. of Agriculture Trade & Consumer Protection
The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is Wisconsin's primary consumer protection agency. Visit their website to learn more about fraud and file a report if you suspect a scam. You can also contact DATCP to schedule free community presentations.
Website
Helpline: (800) 422-7128
Email: DATCPHotline​​@wi.gov​
Learn more about DATCP's presentations.


WI Dept. of Financial Institutions (DFI)
DFI is dedicated to protecting the safety and soundness of Wisconsin’s financial institutions, safeguarding the investing public, facilitating commerce, and increasing financial capability throughout the state. Contact DFI to learn more about financial matters and to file a complaint.
Website
Phone: (608) 261-9555
File a complaint here.


SAIL - Sharing Active Independent Lives
Social isolation is a driver of fraud. Staying connected with your community is one step you can take to protect yourself and loved ones from scams.
Website


Senior Medicare Patrol
The Senior Medicare Patrol helps Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries and their advocates prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, abuse, and errors.
Website
Helpline: (888) 818-2611
Email: smp-wi@gwaar.org


Triad of Wisconsin
The mission of Triad of Wisconsin is to enhance the quality of life of older adults. By partnering with law enforcement, community agencies and seniors, Triad fulfills this mission through crime prevention educational programs that hep reduce victimization.
Website
Phone: 608-238-7787
Email: info@rsvpdane.org

Our Q&A panel featured Michael Domke of the WI DATCP, Robin Jacobs of the WI DFI, and Courtney Anclam of AARP Wisconsin. We took questions from the crowd on a variety of topics:


Overview

• Focused on digital safety, fraud prevention, and privacy in online and financial activities.
• Highlighted risks of QR codes, AI-generated content, and online scams.
• Discussed safe payment methods: credit cards preferred over debit cards for online transactions.
• Explained financial grooming/pig butchering scams and how to recognize them.
• Emphasized password security, use of password managers, and incognito browsing.
• Covered peer-to-peer payment app safety (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal) and best practices.
• Stressed importance of verifying charities and avoiding storing payment info online.
• Explored privacy concerns with cookies, voice/facial recognition, and data tracking.
• Encouraged ongoing digital literacy and sharing knowledge to protect others.

QR Code Safety and Online Scams

• QR code scanning in trusted locations like restaurants or banks is generally considered safe, but users should look for signs of tampering and be careful about where the link is directing you
• Malicious QR codes can redirect to fake websites and steal payment information.
• Fake QR codes may be placed over legitimate ones, especially in public areas.
• AI-generated overviews can be influenced by bad actors through fake websites or paid search results.
• Consumers must verify website legitimacy before entering sensitive information.
• Scammers can set up fake websites with URLs that are similar to trusted websites. For example, wisdot.org instead of wisdot.gov.
• Only verified U.S. government organizations can register and operate a .gov domain. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) manages the .gov top-level domain. They verify the identity of everyone who requests a .gov domain and make sure that their organization meets the criteria for having a .gov domain. Learn more here: https://get.gov/domains/eligibility/

Financial Grooming, Crypto Scams, and Payment Security

• Financial grooming is the process in which scammers build trust with victims, then steal all invested funds.
• Scams may involve romance or fraudulent investments promising impossible returns (e.g., 1,600%).
• Guaranteed returns are a red flag; no investment can guarantee profits.
• Older adults should learn crypto/data basics, as these technologies impact daily life.
• Peer-to-Peer payment platforms ike Zelle and Venmo should be used for friends, family, or known individuals like your hair dresser. PayPal offers more consumer protections than Zelle and Venmo. When buying from unknown sellers, avoid using platforms that do not have refund options and strong consumer protections.

Password Management, Browser Safety, and Privacy

• Suggested using strong, complex passwords for security.
• Password managers generate and store strong passwords, reducing memorization burden.
• Stronger passwords use length, numbers, and special characters; avoid simple passwords.
• Facial recognition could pose privacy risks if data is breached and images are misused, however is generally not dangerous to use.

Auto Bill Pay, Debit vs. Credit Cards, and Online Shopping Safety

• Auto bill pay is generally safe if set up through a trusted financial institution.
• Risks increase when using unaffiliated third-party services for bill pay.
• Always monitor statements to detect unauthorized transactions.
• Use guest checkout and credit cards for online purchases to minimize breach risk and extend dispute window (60 days for credit cards, ~2 days for debit cards).
• Do not store credit card information with vendors; avoid saving payment details online.

Data Tracking, Cookies, Incognito Browsing, and Digital Footprint

• Google collects and sells user data to third parties, enabling targeted ads based on searches and location.
• Ad targeting can occur via shared networks and proximity to other users, as seen with location-based ad delivery.
• Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO may have vetting processes, but users should verify listings independently to avoid scams and AI-generated images.
• Cookies track user activity; rejecting cookies may limit website access, requiring users to weigh privacy risks against information needs.
• Voice assistants and apps may record and share data; users can manage risk by adjusting privacy settings and reviewing terms and conditions.