Amazon Scam

DATE & TIME: 05-07-2021 / 10:00 am

LOCATION: Rural Liberty, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Amazon Scam

CASE #: 2021-1737

A resident of rural Liberty, Nebraska called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and spoke to an investigator, reporting she had received a phone call with an automated message stating $5,000.00 had been charged to Amazon and if she had made the purchase, she did not need to do anything, but if this was incorrect, to “Press One” for assistance. She did attempt to communicate with them, but the transfer/call did not go through, so she hung up.

This is a common type of “phishing” scam, where the suspect will try to save the victim money, but will need a payment of some kind or access to the victim’s bank account to correct the matter.  This victim did not provide any personal, financial, or confidential information to the suspects, but was advised to contact her bank so they could take loss prevention steps to protect her assets and banking accounts.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be cautious when dealing with unknown persons or organizations on the phone. Do not provide personal, financial, or confidential information to anyone you cannot positively identify. If you believe you are becoming or have become a victim of fraud or some other scam, call Southeast Communications at 402-223-4080 to report it to the local police department or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310 / Investigations