Attempted Theft By Deception (IRS Scam)

DATE & TIME: 02-13-2018 @ 9:30 am

LOCATION: Pickrell, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft By Deception (IRS Scam)

CASE #: 2018-0620

A Pickrell resident contacted the Gage County Sheriff regarding a suspicious phone call he had received on 02-13-2018 at about 9:30 am from the phone number 408-755-9012. The caller identified himself as Officer Ryan Smith with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and instructed the Pickrell resident not to disregard the message and to call him back. The sheriff referred him to a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator for follow-up.

The Pickrell resident states he realized this was a scam and did not provide any personal, financial, or confidential information and did not suffer any pecuniary loss. The victim called the investigator back in the afternoon, stating he had received another telephone call from the same number with the caller warning him to not ignore the message and to call him back.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution and be wary of calls from people requesting money, demanding secrecy, or urging a decision to be made immediately. Residents should not provide any personal, financial, or confidential information over the phone, via e-mail, in person, or by responding to letters, unless they are 100% certain of who it is they are providing the information to and for what purpose.

Anyone who receives a suspicious contact, phone call, e-mail, or letter should immediately contact their local police department or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310