Attempted Theft by Deception/Fraud

DATE & TIME: 12-27-2016 2:48 p.m.

LOCATION: Wymore area   

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft by Deception/Fraud

CASE #: 2016-6921  

On 12-27-2016 an investigator for the Gage County Sheriffs’ Office was contacted by friends of a Wymore resident who were concerned their friend was about to become a victim of an Internet scam.  The person who called the sheriff’s office informed the investigator that her friend had met a man on an Internet dating site, and the Internet suitor was requesting the Wymore resident to go to an Apple store in Omaha, and purchase IPhones with a financial transaction device he was going to send to her via Federal Express.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator contacted the Wymore Police Department and a joint investigation determined the situation to be an attempt to defraud the Wymore resident and Apple stores.  The resident was contacted and advised of the fraudulent nature of the situation and was asked to contact the Wymore Police Department if she receives any correspondence or financial transaction instruments from the suspect.

Area law enforcement agencies and law enforcement agencies across the nation have seen an increase in the use of the Internet to commit fraudulent acts.  Individual victims have reported losses of thousands of dollars, as well as theft of their identity and damage to their credit rating. 

Anyone suspecting fraud should contact the Gage County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency.  The Gage County Sheriff’s Office website contains a link to the Federal Trade Commission which also offers assistance and reporting options.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310