Attempted Theft by Deception

DATE & TIME:                        03-23-2023 / 4:00 an    

 LOCATION:                           Rural Wymore            

 OFFENSE:                             Attempted Theft By Deception

 CASE #:                               2023-1329      

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, a resident of rural Wymore came to the sheriff’s office to report a suspicious incident that occurred online earlier that morning.  He stated he had received a message from what appeared to be a legitimate company on his home computer regarding stating there was a $7,000.00 charge for use of a pornographic site.  He called the number on the e-mail  to complain about the ersatz charge, since he did not visit those sites.  The male suspect was able to convince the victim to allow him access to his computer and the suspect stated he set up a “cloned account” for the victim. 

The suspect, who had a thick Indian accent, stated he was with the victim’s bank at the headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota.  He convinced the victim to withdraw $7,000.00 from his bank and told him to go to a convenience store in Beatrice to convert the money to “Bitcoin”.

The victim, who had already withdrawn the money, went to the sheriff’s office first instead of the convenience store and spoke to a deputy, who confirmed the situation involved fraud and to deposit his money back in the bank.  The deputy spoke with the suspect on the phone and his numerous inconsistencies (saying he was from Rapid City when the area code for his phone number is for Grand Rapids, Michigan for example) confirmed the suspicious of the deputy.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be wary of providing financial, personal, or confidential information to anyone they do not know personally.  It is a common tactic of scam artists, mountebanks, charlatans, and other rogues to convince victims they need to act immediately and/or to keep the matter secret from others.

If you believe you are becoming, or have been, the victim of fraud, contact a family member, trusted friend, or professional financier, such as a banker or accountant.  You may also contact the police department or the Gage County Sheriff’s Office at 402-223-4080 or call the sheriff’s office directly at 402-223-5222.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310

Deputy M. Hager #9038