DATE & TIME: 04-01-2026/ 08:50 AM
LOCATION: Pickrell, Nebraska
OFFENSE: Attempted Theft By Deception/ Phone Scam
CASE#: 2026-1370
DETAILS:
A Pickrell business owner contacted the sheriff’s office stating that on the morning of 04-01-2026 the business received a phone call from a female stating she worked for the local utility company and the business was past due on payments and the power was going to be shut off today unless they immediately made a credit card payment by phone.
One of the owners know they were not behind on bills, and he informed the suspect of this. He called his utility company and confirmed they were not behind on payments and did not lose any money or provide any financial information to the suspect.
He wanted to make the sheriff’s office aware, in case other businesses or people received similar type calls. The investigator from the sheriff’s office contacted the utility company and made them aware of the scam. The utility company advised people to check their billing statements and know that a utility company will always send written notice of any pending service shut off. If you receive one of these calls, hang up and call the utility company back directly, not the phone number which just called.
Sergeant Tim Hanson #90310
Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903