Fake Check Scam

DATE & TIME: 06-26-2018 @ 1546

LOCATION: Ellis, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Fake Check Scam

CASE #: 2018-3195

A resident living outside of Ellis, Nebraska notified a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator she had received a fraudulent check related to a job scam on Facebook. She said after inquiring about a potential advertising job on a Facebook site about jobs in Beatrice, she contacted the company and was queried about her personal information, however nothing critical was asked. She was supposed to have an ad for Coca Cola placed on her vehicle.

She states about a month or so later a man, who identified himself as “Fred Thompson” started texting her from the phone number 860-880-7306 advising her a check had been sent to her and then asking her to cash it. She states she never spoke with the person on the phone, but did receive a United States Postal Service package from Accurrence Insurance with a return address in Fayetteville, North Carolina containing a check from the First National Bank of Texas for $1,750.00, with the “purchaser” being a “Gregory McClellan”. She contacted her bank and they advised her the check was not valid and was a fraudulent account.

The Ellis resident did not disclose any critical personal or financial information and did not lose any money in this incident. The investigator advised her to monitor her mail and credit history to guard against any future fraudulent activity.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution when dealing in financial matters with unfamiliar and non-local entities. Do not disclose any personal, financial, or confidential information to unknown persons or businesses. If you have any doubts, contact a trusted personal friend, family member, or financial adviser, such as your local banker. If you think you have been scammed, contact your 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