Theft by Deception

DATE & TIME: 11-27-2021 / 9:00 am

LOCATION: Wymore, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Theft by Deception

CASE #: 2021-5006

A resident of Wymore, Nebraska called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office to report he had fallen prey to a “Bitcoin” scam over the Internet. He was watching a video on Instagram of a friend from high school. After watching the video, he received a message from the friend’s account asking if he was interested in investing in “Bitcoin”. He was promised a return on investment of $10,000.00 within three hours for a $500.00 payment. 

After electronic negotiations with the suspect “Coach Cheryl”, he sent the suspect $500.00 through a banking “app”. When the suspect asked for more than $2,100.00 in order to receive payment, he realized it was a scam and did not make additional payments.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use extreme caution when making financial transactions over the Internet. Money and funds sent that way can be easily moved to other electronic accounts outside of the United States within a minute or two, and then moved again.  Warning signs you are being scammed would be promises of fantastic returns on investment, requests for payment up front, and payment through non-traditional business methods. Especially during the upcoming holiday season, be cautious with sending money to unknown persons, companies, or entities as these varlets are simply out to defraud you and are not legitimate businesses.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Deputy B. Juracek #9039

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310