MARINETTE, Wis. - The Marinette County Sheriff's Department has issued a scam warning to all local residents.
Officials reported that several Marinette County residents have been receiving letters indicating that they have won a cash prize. The letters may also include a check from what appears to be a real business.
The recipient is instructed to send a large amount of money to a government tax official, who will clear the way for the recipient to receive the rest of the cash involved.
"This, of course, is a scam and people are out their money if they were to send it in," said officials. "No other prize money ever comes their way."
Anyone who receives these letters is advised to ignore the offer and to give the information to a local postmaster.
Officials advise that citizens never give out their personal information over the telephone or through the mail with these types of offers. Personal information may include a social security number, driver license number, address, credit card number, or bank account numbers.
For more information, or to file a complaint, contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade/Consumer Protection by phone at 1-800-422-7128 or by mail at P.O. Box 891, Madison, WI, 53708-8911.