Publisher's Clearing house scam 2024

DATE & TIME: 09-15-2024 / 9:03 am

LOCATION: Beatrice, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Publisher's Clearing House Scam

CASE #: 2024-4740

DETAILS:

A resident of Beatrice received a letter and a check for $9450.20 in the mail that claimed he had won the "Publisher's Clearing House" award.  The letter advised him to not tell anyone else and to call a "Claims Manager" for further direction.  The resident recognized this as a scam and did not contact the company but took the letter to the Sheriff's Office where it was forwarded to an investigator, who called him back and confirmed he did not lose any money.

Scams, swindles, flimflams, and other boondoggles come in many forms: mail, phone, internet, or even in person.  Be aware that there are many charlatans and reprobates out there that are trying to take your money in many different ways.

Be wary of "red flags" or warnings, such as being told to keep the matter secret; urgency of demands; request for personal, confidential, or financial information; threats of arrest; or requesting payments (especially in non-standard ways, such as purchasing gift cards).

If you have suspicions that you are being scammed, do not provide any information, hang up the phone, break contact on the internet or in person, and call a family member, trusted friend, financial advisor or Southeast Communications and request to speak with an investigator, deputy, or officer (if you live in Beatrice).

Sheriff Millard "Gus" Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310