Attempted Theft By Deception (Publisher’s Clearinghouse Scam)

DATE & TIME: 02-27-2018 @ 1602

LOCATION: Beatrice, Nebraska      

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft By Deception (Publisher’s Clearinghouse Scam)

CASE #: 2018-0803

A Beatrice resident called the Gage County Sheriff’ Office and spoke with an investigator, stating she received a telephone call from 876-528-1529 and a male who identified himself as David Freeman, who claimed he was the "Prize Director" from Publisher's Clearinghouse sweepstakes.  He told her she had won $6.5 million dollars and a 2018 Mercedes, however she would have to pick the color of the Mercedes. 

The suspect told her a Mary Smith, from the law firm of Jacoby and Meyers, as well as Ben Johnson from the Better Business Bureau would show up at her house at 10:00 am on 02-28-2018 and escort her to the bank. He then told her the general manager, "Tony" would call her back.

She said she later spoke with "Tony", whose phone number showed up as 876-386-5247, who asked her where she banked and told her it would take about an hour and 15 minutes for them to get to her house and escort her to the bank. She banks in Beatrice, however did not provide her bank account, credit card, or other financial information to the suspects. She also stated she had not lost any money.

The investigator asked her if she had entered the Publisher's Clearinghouse sweepstakes and she stated she did not enter this year and it has been a couple of years since she last entered the sweepstakes.  She states that when the suspects called, they did use her name and she confirmed her address for them. She stated she knew it was about the time of year for the Publisher's Clearinghouse awards to be granted, but was suspicious because she had not entered the contest this year.

The investigator stopped at the victim’s residence and confirmed she had not lost any money.  She was also advised to not provide any information to the suspects and to contact the Beatrice Police Department or Gage County Sheriff's Office if the suspects show up at her house.

Investigators from the Beatrice Police Department were notified of the call and any further investigation will be coordinated with the police department.

Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call should not provide any personal, confidential or financial information over the phone, via e-mail, in person, or by mail. Do not proceed with any financial transaction until you are able to speak with a trusted financial adviser, family member or other responsible person. Immediately contact the local police department or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310