Beware of scams that actually look legitimate

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has been impersonated multiple times, by scammers targeting professionals and businesses licensed by the department. Included in that, are meat establishment license holders, who received an unsolicited email, with a subject line similar to “WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.”

The email contained accurate license information and claimed the recipient’s license would be revoked, unless immediate action was taken. Despite the email containing the DATCP’s logo and appearing official, it is not a legitimate message sent by the DATCP.

In reality, the email was sent by a scammer, pretending to be the department.

This fraudulent email prompts the recipient to click a link, and “verify or update their information,” a scam strategy called phishing. Clicking the link or providing any personal, professional or business information, could expose a user to malware or identity theft risks.

Additionally, the message reported to the DATCP, appears to be delivered from an msn.com email account, another indication that the email was sent as part of scam attempt.

Professionals and businesses who receive an email fitting the above description, should do the following:

• Avoid opening the message. If it is opened, close it immediately.

• Never click any links, reply to the email or call a phone number provided in the email. If the link is clicked, contact IT support right away.

• If receiving a fraudulent email in the future, report it to the licensing program, using publicly available and verifiable contact information listed on the DATCP’s website, at datcp.wi.gov.

If suspecting a message may be real, log in to MyDATCP or contact the DATCP directly, by calling 608-2244942.