Police: Winneconne woman arrested in investigation of 'nationwide' online scamming operation
A 66-year-old Winneconne woman has been arrested after police investigated claims from scam victims across the country, according to the Winneconne Police Department.
Police said the woman was arrested after a scam victim reported sending money orders to Winneconne for the purpose of making an online purchase. Officers went to the address provided by the victim and found mailers, receipts and funds that confirmed the victim's story.
But it didn't stop there. Police said they believe the suspect was involved in "a nation-wide, and more than likely, a world-wide ring of scamming / fraud operations."
Victims thought they were shopping online, donating to charity or investing in a business opportunity.
Since their investigation started, police have found victims in eight states. Police believe the suspect is responsible for more than $100,000 of stolen funds, with $20,000 recovered.
Police urged residents not to send "money orders, cashier’s checks, currency, gift cards and high-end electronics" to someone they don't personally know.
The Winneconne woman awaits charges at the Winnebago County Jail while the investigation continues.
Rebecca Loroff is a breaking and trending news reporter for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Contact her at rloroff@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Winneconne woman arrested in investigation of 'nationwide' online scams
