How to avoid falling into a “recovery scam”

Adam D. Hess, Tim Thiede

Jun 16, 2026, 8:27 AM CT

Consumers look for help when they have their identity or money stolen through a scam. Unfortunately, when trying to find someone reliable to assist them, consumers can fall victim to a recovery scam. Michelle Reinen (rye-nun) is with The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

As with many scams there are warning signs that consumers should be aware of to alert them to find a more reliable source for help.

If you need help recovering money you can contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline by phone at 1-800-422-7128 or by email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov

Adam Hess

Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.