Attempted Theft By Deception / “Grandma” Scam Phone Call

DATE & TIME: 01-11-2018 / 0845      

LOCATION: Rural Hallam / Gage County   

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft By Deception / “Grandma” Scam Phone Call                                         CASE #: 2018-0143

A resident of rural Gage County just south of Hallam, Nebraska notified Gage County investigators that on January 11, 2018 at approximately 8:45 am she received a telephone call from 718-546-1500, with a male on the other end claiming to be her grandson. She said the male told her he had been at a friend’s in New York and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and needed bail money to get out of jail.  He also told her he did not want his parents to find out, so could she secretly send him the money. The victim realized immediately the caller was not her grandson, so she did not provide any money, or financial information to the caller, instead telling him he needed to call his parents to get the money.

The investigator confirmed with the victim she did not lose any money and recommended she check her mail and be vigilant with her financial accounts, however at this point, since she did not give him her financial information, her accounts should be safe. 

Anyone who receives a telephone call asking for money and/or requesting secrecy, should immediately become suspicious and use extreme caution. Citizens are free to contact their local police department or the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator if they receive a suspicious phone call, e-mail, contact, or mailing asking for money.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310