Residents across the lakeshore are being urged to stay alert as a new wave of scams targets the region, according to Wisconsin State Patrol and Kewaunee County authorities.

Scammers are sending text messages and emails claiming recipients owe money for unpaid traffic citations, often including links demanding immediate payment.

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says those messages are fraudulent.

“Law enforcement will never contact you by text or email demanding payment for a citation,” Joski said. “If you receive something like that, it’s 100 % a scam, don’t click on any links and don’t provide any personal information.”

Sheriff Joski says similar scams are also circulating in the form of letters claiming recipients have won the lottery.

“You can’t win a lottery you never entered,” Joski said. “That’s one of the biggest red flags we see. If someone is asking for money upfront or telling you to keep it a secret, it’s not legitimate.”

“These scams rely on emotion,” he added. “One of the best things you can do is having someone else take a look. Without that emotional pressure, clearer heads can prevail. Take a moment, verify the information and talk to someone you trust before taking any action.”

If you are contacted by suspicious means, report the messages as spam and delete them immediately.