Grandma Scam

DATE & TIME: 05-28-2020 @ 8:28 am

LOCATION: Beatrice, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Grandma Scam

CASE #: 2020-2333

A Beatrice resident was contacted by an unknown female suspect on Tuesday, May 27, 2020. When the victim answered, the suspect said, “Grandma?”, to which the 92-year-old victim answered with her granddaughter’s name, thinking it was her. The suspect told her she had a bad cold, had been involved in a traffic accident and needed bond money to get out of jail. She asked the victim to keep the matter secret and that her attorney would be calling her shortly with details on how to get her out of jail.

The victim, however, was aware of the scam, due to reading the news releases from the sheriff’s office that had been printed in the local paper and local radio stations, and suspected this was a scam. She called her daughter to check on the granddaughter and was informed she was fine and not in jail. The victim, did not respond to other attempts to contact her by the suspects and did not send any money, or provide personal, financial, or confidential information. She stated her family encouraged her to make a report to law enforcement so the local media can warn other residents.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office warns residents that suspects operating scams and frauds are continually contacting people through a variety of medium: by phone, mail, e-mail, and potentially even in person. Be suspicious of situations that request secrecy, urgency, or payment by cash or unorthodox methods, such as with gift cards for fake debts, fines, warrants, or other reasons. 

If faced with this type of situation, ask for assistance from family, friends, a trusted financial advisor such as your banker or accountant, 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