Attempted Theft by Deception / Social Security Scam

DATE & TIME: 04-04-2022/ 12:52 pm

LOCATION: Beatrice, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft by Deception / Social Security Scam

CASE #: 2022-1332

A resident of Beatrice, Nebraska was contacted on Monday 04-04-2022 at about 12:52 pm by a male who identified himself as “Officer John Callahan, badge number CBT 22803”.  The male spoke with a heavy Arabic accent and told the victim some illegal substance had been recovered “at the border” and he needed her social security number. 

The victim had answered the phone because he had “spoofed” a phone number to have the same area code and prefix as hers, so it would look like the phone call was coming from Beatrice.  However, she asked to speak with his supervisor and he would not get a supervisor on the phone and continually attempted to get her to provide her social security number.  She disconnected the call and contacted the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.  An investigator confirmed the phone call was a scam and made sure she had not lost any money in the incident.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution and be aware of the numerous attempts to defraud or scam people that are occurring.  Do not provide any personal, financial, or confidential information to anyone when you are not sure who you are speaking to.  If you have questions or concerns, call Southeast Communications at 402-223-4080 and report it to the police or sheriff’s office.  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