“Federal Investigator” Scam

DATE & TIME: 02-22-2021 @ 8:30 am

LOCATION: Filley, Nebraska 

OFFENSE: “Federal Investigator” Scam

CASE #: 2021-0652

A resident of Filley, Nebraska contacted a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator to report he was contacted by phone by a male with a heavy foreign accent who identified himself as Asheel Agarawal and he was a “federal investigator” and that the victim owed the federal government $815,000.00. The suspect had already obtained personal and financial information on the victim, but wanted the victim to provide his social security number and then go to an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), but one that had an eagle on it, and withdraw the money.

The victim states he disconnected the phone call, but the suspect called back three more times.  He was aware this was a scam and came to the sheriff’s office to report it.

Although the victim did not report a loss of any money, the investigator advised him to contact his financial institutions and credit card companies to alert them of the possible scam, since he reported the suspects already knew where he banked and which credit cards he owned. He was also advised to contact his cellular carrier to see if they could block the phone number of the call, since the suspects used a type of software that “spoofed” other phone numbers.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be very cautious when dealing with unknown persons or organizations on the phone, over the Internet, by mail, or in person. The victim is correct, the federal government will not contact you by phone to attempt to obtain a collection of any debt. Do not engage with suspects and do not fall victim to any pressure to act immediately. Contact your local police department or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator to obtain assistance.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310