Scammers told two Wisconsin men to conceal the real reasons for sending money when bank employees asked questions. In separate investigations, a local detective helped recover nearly $70,000 that the victims had sent in online scams, according to the Village of Jackson Police Department.
The more recent victim was 81 years old and encountered what appeared to be an antivirus warning on his computer. Another resident sought help after a neighbor urged him to speak with police, giving investigators an earlier opportunity to intervene.
Recovering the money was not as simple as identifying the accounts where the payments landed. In both cases, some funds had already been moved overseas, while other money remained in accounts that could be frozen and reached through court orders.
Police Chief Ryan Vossekuil described the work of Detective Jennifer Gerke in an Oct. 17, 2026, statement published by Washington County Insider. WFRV also reported on the investigation involving the older resident.
A Fake Antivirus Warning Led to a $49,800 Bank Wire
The 81-year-old Jackson resident encountered a warning that seemed to come from antivirus software. After he interacted with it, a scammer persuaded him to go to his bank and wire $49,800 to an out-of-state Bank of America account, according to the police account.
Once the transfer was made, the person directing the payment stopped communicating with him. The man reported the suspected scam on Aug. 10, 2026, but Gerke said he had taken about a week to recognize that he might have been deceived. The delay gave the fraudsters time to move some of the money beyond the original account.
The Recipient Bank Had Already Frozen $44,020
Gerke used subpoenas and financial records to follow the wire. Investigators learned that the recipient bank had noticed suspicious activity and frozen the account before all the money could be transferred out. Although some funds had gone overseas, $44,020 remained within reach.
Working with the local District Attorney’s Office, Gerke obtained and executed a seizure warrant for the remaining funds. Police said the money was returned to the 81-year-old resident. The same inquiry also helped investigators identify and assist another fraud victim in New Jersey.
A Neighbor’s Warning Helped Another Man Recover Nearly $25,000
In an earlier Jackson case, another man became concerned about an online scam and followed his neighbor’s advice to speak with police. The officer recognized that the payment needed urgent attention and contacted Gerke, who returned to the police department that evening even though she was off duty.
Gerke worked to get the recipient account frozen before more money could leave it. Police said she began coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office the following morning to obtain the required court authorization. Although the account was frozen quickly, returning nearly $25,000 to the victim took approximately two months.
Some funds had already reached China. Gerke said that even one more day’s delay might have cost the man his chance to recover the remaining money.
Scammers Told Both Victims to Mislead Bank Employees
Gerke identified a tactic common to the investigations: scammers instructed victims not to tell bank employees why they were moving the money. A victim might be told to describe an unusual transfer as a vacation expense or a home improvement payment instead of explaining the unexpected phone call or computer warning behind it.
That false explanation can keep a teller from recognizing signs of fraud. Gerke said customers should be candid when employees question an unusual withdrawal or transfer, because the questions may be an attempt to protect them before the payment is completed.
The department is also holding a free Fraud Awareness Seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Jackson Area Community Center. Gerke is scheduled to discuss warning signs and common schemes. The event is open to residents and nonresidents, according to the chief’s announcement.
What to Do Before or After a Suspicious Wire Transfer
The Federal Trade Commission warns that fake technical-support alerts may impersonate familiar software companies and pressure people to call a number or transfer money. If a warning appears unexpectedly, avoid its links and phone numbers. Use trusted security software or contact the company through independently verified support information.
Anyone who has already wired funds should immediately contact the sending bank’s fraud department, report the scam and ask whether the transfer can be reversed, as the FTC advises. File an IC3 report and keep the wire confirmation, beneficiary-bank details, messages and screenshots for investigators.