Fraud / Scam / Theft by Deception / Blackmail

DATE & TIME: 11-01-2023 / 9:00 am

LOCATION: Throughout Gage County

OFFENSE: Fraud / Scam / Theft by Deception / Blackmail

CASE #: Multiple Cases          

Over the past week several scams, fraud, extortion, and theft by deception cases have been reported to the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.  These range in severity from attempted thefts to the loss of an estimated $6,800.00, $7,400.00, $8,000.00 and over $250,000.00.

In all of these cases the suspects contacted or tricked the victim into contacting them then proceeded to have the victim send the suspect large amounts of cash or electronic transfers of money.  The victims were all either threatened with arrest, told they were going to be embarrassed by the release of information, or other trickery.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be very cautious when sending money or other financial assets to unknown persons.  “Red flags” or warnings that the incident might be fraudulent include demands for secrecy, urgency, not letting the victim get off the (cell) phone, or involve circumstance that was previously unknown to the victim, such as winning a prize, or some debt or incident they have no connection to prior to the suspect contacting the victim.

Do not send cash, especially if advised to not be truthful with the shipping company and tell them it is only documents.  Contact a financial advisor, such as a banker or accountant to verify information or check the legitimacy of a claim.  Legitimate businesses do not request you make payment via “gift cards” or some other non-traditional method.

If you are contacted by some method (e-mail, phone, US mail, etc), do not succumb to pressure or demands for secrecy.  Call a family member, financial advisor, or law enforcement and ask to speak to someone immediately.  – ALSO – if you are threatened with arrest or that you can pay off a warrant, that is definitely a scam and do not comply or provide any information.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310