Attempted Theft by Deception, Adams

DATE & TIME: 07-12-2017 / 1632    

LOCATION: Adams, Nebraska          

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft by Deception

CASE #: 2017-3777   

A resident of rural Adams, Nebraska called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, 07-12-2017 and spoke with a sheriff’s office investigator about a possible Internet scam.  

The resident told an investigator he was on his computer when it suddenly froze, i.e. would not function, and he received several pop-up messages to contact a number regarding a virus on his computer.  The resident told the investigator he became suspicious that this might be a scam or attempt at fraud when the person he called for help began quoting exorbitant fees and costs to fix his computer. 

The victim told the investigator he currently had assistance responding to his location to fix his computer, but he was concerned about his financial information having been compromised or accessed.  The investigator recommended the victim contact his financial institutions and credit card companies and make them aware of the situation and to monitor his accounts carefully.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents to be careful when online and to practice safe “surfing” when choosing websites to view.  All computers should have up to date, reliable, reputable software protection on their devices.  There has been a recent nationwide and worldwide trend in “ransomware”, which takes over a user’s computer and denies access to the owner unless a ransom of some kind is paid.

Anyone who suffers a financial loss or experiences a suspicious online incident should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency or call the Gage County Sheriffs’ Office and request to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310