Wisconsin pizza owner says loan scam cost him $9,000 as he fights to keep shop open

Laron Taylor built Mad Rush Pizza into a community favorite. Now, the Wisconsin entrepreneur is fighting to stay open after losing $9,000 to a small‑business loan scam.

Taylor told TMJ4 News he became suspicious in the first week, when scammers deposited a check for more than he requested, then asked him to return the difference before the deposit cleared. The money vanished, and Taylor says he has been unable to recover the loss.

Community Staple Mad Rush Pizza Hit by a Costly Scam

Taylor has operated Mad Rush Pizza at the Mequon Public Market for about two and a half years. He built a loyal following and became known for his commitment to the community. However, the scam left him $9,000 behind and forced him to confront mounting equipment bills and rising medication costs. He said everything “came crashing down at once.”

How the Scam Worked

TMJ4 News reports the scheme was a classic overpayment or “phantom loan” scam. Scammers deposited a check for more than the agreed amount, then requested the excess be returned. When the original deposit was revealed as fraudulent, Taylor was left responsible for the missing funds. He had already shared his banking information, making recovery impossible.

Health Challenges Add Pressure

Taylor’s financial strain grew as equipment failures added new expenses. He also pays for prescription medication for congestive heart failure, a condition he has been managing while running the business. He told TMJ4 the rising costs made it harder to keep up.

Fundraiser Launched to Keep Mad Rush Pizza Open

Taylor launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover rent, equipment repairs, payroll, and medication. As of mid‑September, donations had begun to come in, offering hope that the shop can stay open. Taylor said he hopes sharing his story helps other small business owners avoid similar scams.