Independent Operators

Scammers go after Milwaukee food trucks

Photo: Adobe Stock

September 10, 2025

Scammers have been targeting multiple Milwaukee food truck operators with fake offers to enter events and festivals.

The scammers reach out to the victims asking them to pay vendor fees through peer-to-peer payment apps to secure a spot to events, according to a report by Fox 6 Now.

Carlos Orozco, owner of Old Man's BBQ, said he knows multiple operators who fell victim to the scams.

"They paid like $500 for a site. When they showed up, they weren't on the list," Orozco told the news outlet.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said it is impossible for vendors to recover funds once sent.

"In most cases, the event doesn't even exist," Michelle Reinen, administration of division of trade and consumer protection, told then news outlet.

The agency advises vendors not to click on links or attachments from unsolicited emails and investigate events before sending money.