Attempted Theft by Deception

DATE & TIME: 02-28-2022 / 11:41 am 

LOCATION: Clatonia           

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft by Deception

CASE #: 2022-0761

A Clatonia area resident reported an attempted theft by deception to the Gage County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, February 28, 2022.  The resident received a phone call from a male with a Hispanic accent who identified himself as being with the Social Security Administration, telling the victim that his social security number had been involved in criminal acts down in Texas.  He was also told there was a warrant for his arrest, but he could avoid jail if he paid a fine or mulct by purchasing gift cards at a business and giving him the redemption information.

The victim, who was driving, stopped at the Security First Bank in Clatonia and spoke with a bank official.  The branch manager of the bank called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident and was connected with a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator who confirmed for both of them that this was a scam. 

The victim still had the suspect on the phone and a “conference call” was arranged with the investigator now on the call.  The suspect began haranguing the victim about whether he was now driving to get the gift cards.  When the investigator asked the suspect for information about the warrant, the suspect became defensive and once he became aware that law enforcement was involved, the suspect quickly disconnected the call without making any further statements.

The victim did not lose any money, but was advised to protect his finances and assets by sharing this incident with his financial institutions, calling the Social Security Administration, and the credit reporting bureaus.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office wants citizens to be aware suspects are always attempting to scam or defraud people.  Warning signs are they use high pressure tactics, such as threatening arrest or demanding secrecy, and often times will not “let” the victim hang up and think about what is going on.  They also want payment in non-traditional methods such as using gift cards.  No governmental agency will use gift cards as a form of payment and it should make the victim suspicious if a business wants to use gift cards as payment over the phone.

Do not succumb to pressure.  Contact a family member, trusted friend, or professional with fiduciary responsibilities, such as an accountant or banker.  Report incidents to the local police department via Southeast Communications at 402-223-4080 or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office at 402-223-5222 and ask to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310