Attempted Theft by Deception / Fake Check

DATE & TIME: 10-25-2021 @ 12:50

LOCATION: Rural Beatrice & Odell, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft by Deception / Fake Check

CASE #:  2021-4402

A resident of rural Beatrice contacted a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator to report he had met a “woman” on an internet dating site. The woman/suspect had told him she was from Manhattan, Kansas, but was stranded in Texas, where she had been selling medical equipment.

She somehow convinced him she would create a bank account in his name and he was to send her $4,780.34 in money orders or bitcoin so she could get home. The suspect sent the victim twenty-five checks with a legitimate bank routing and account number; however, “she” had put his name on the checks as the account holder. The victim went to his bank in Odell, Nebraska to verify the legitimacy of the check and was told by bank officials the check was fraudulent.

The victim then reported the incident to the Gage County Sheriff’s Office. He states he did not lose any money in this transaction and was advised by the investigator that the suspect was trying to use him as part of a fraud.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution and to be wary of the myriad of scams that are being propagated on unsuspecting victims. Warning signs/ “red flags” are: 

1. Something seemingly too good to be true.
2. Dealing with previously unknown persons online who ask for money/assistance.
3. Demands for urgency or secrecy
4. Requesting payment in order to receive a reward or gift.
5. Threats or coercion
6. Requesting payment via use of “gift cards”.

If you are a target or a victim of a scam or fraud attempt, do not make any payments.  Contact Southeast Communications and connect to your local police department to report the issue or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office at 402-223-5222 and ask to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310