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Craig’s List Scam

DATE & TIME: 05-17-2018 @ 1329

LOCATION: Virginia, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Craig’s List Scam

CASE #: 2018-2266

A resident of Virginia, Nebraska reported to a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator he had placed an electric handicap scooter for sale on Craig’s List. During the middle of May he was contacted by a male with an “East Indian” accent, who then began a series of text messages to negotiate for the scooter, which was being sold for $525.00. Eventually, the suspect, who used at least four different cell phone numbers, sent the victim a check for $1,650.00, which the victim found suspicious. The victim did not cash the check or ship off the scooter, but was concerned about this scam. 

The phone numbers the suspect used are (314) 963-8722, (405) 259-5538, (219) 985-3382, (919) 533-9131. There is software available to “spoof” or fabricate phone numbers, to either make it appear as if the caller is a local resident, i.e. a (402) 223-xxxx phone number, or randomly generate a phone number with area code, no matter where the suspect is located.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution when dealing with matters online, through the mail, in person, or over the phone. Warning signs include, but are not limited to; asking for secrecy, urgency, demands for immediate action, requesting payment through non-traditional business methods (such as using gift cards for payment) and winning a lottery or inheritance.

Anyone who receives these types of contacts should report it to 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