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Attempted Theft By Deception (Fake Warrant Scam)

DATE & TIME: 02-01-2018 @ 1545

LOCATION: Wymore and Blue Springs, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft By Deception (Fake Warrant Scam)

CASE #: 2018-0469

A resident of rural Wymore contacted an investigator with the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and stated he was called by an unidentified male claiming to be a “Sergeant Jackson” with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. He was called from the telephone number 402-521-3558. The suspect advised him there was a warrant for his arrest for failing to show up at court.  The suspect told him the notice had been sent to an address in Lincoln, which the victim recognized as his brother’s house. 

The suspect told the victim he could have the warrant cancelled by going to a Dollar General or Dollar Tree and purchasing a “Money Pak” card and providing the information/funds on the card to him. The victim drove to a bank in Blue Springs to obtain the money. The suspect told him he could not go through the drive thru window or be seen talking to him on the phone because the bank tellers would be suspicious. The suspect told the victim to leave his phone in the car and go into the bank, which the victim found suspicious. The victim was also told if he did not call the suspect back right away or hung up on him while he was talking to him, a police officer would be contacted to have him arrested.

The victim left his phone in the car and went into the bank to withdraw $1,470.00 for the Money Paks, but was suspicious and discussed the matter with several bank employees who urged him to call the sheriff’s office. 

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator confirmed the victim did not lose any money during this scam. The investigator contacted the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office of the report and they advised they had received several calls already from people reporting the same scam in Lincoln and Lancaster County.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to exercise caution when dealing with unknown persons on the telephone, online, via mail, or in person. Suspicious acts are things such as being asked to make payments through irregular means such as Wal-Mart to Wal-Mart payments, Moneygrams, or going to a store and buying gift cards. Anytime secrecy or privacy is a part of the “deal”, persons should be immediately become suspicious. Anyone who is suspicious of a contact from someone should immediately contact their local police department or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak to an investigator. To speak with an officer, deputy, or investigator in Beatrice, Wymore, or for any town or residence in Gage County, call Southeast Communications at 402-223-4080.

There has been an increased number of reports of attempted fraud, theft by deception, and extortion reported to Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigators in the past month. Residents should also keep communication open with relatives or those who they think might be susceptible to these types of scams.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310