Fraud / Criminal Impersonation

DATE & TIME: 06-09-2017 / 1545      

LOCATION: Blue Springs, Nebraska / Marysville, Kansas     

OFFENSE: Fraud and Criminal Impersonation

CASE #: 2017-3073

A Blue Springs, Nebraska resident reported to the sheriff’s office that on 06-08-2017 she received a telephone call from a male with what she described as a Chinese accent, who stated she was having computer problems and he could fix her computer.  She states he later called and told her he had fixed her computer and someone had taken $3,500.00 from their bank account, but he could get all her money back if she sent him a MoneyGram from Wal-Mart for $2,230.00. 

She attempted to send the MoneyGram from the Wal-Mart in Beatrice, but the transaction was declined.  The suspect then called her and told her the transaction had not gone through and for her to go to the Wal-Mart in Marysville, Kansas to send the MoneyGram.  She sent the MoneyGram from Marysville, Kansas, however on 06-09-2017, he called back and told her to send more money, but when he was questioned about the matter, he stated he would be calling the sheriff to come down and arrest her if she did not send the money.  At this point she called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and spoke with an investigator, who confirmed it was a scam.  Her MoneyGram, however, had already been picked up in the country of Nepal, and converted to Rupee, the currency of Nepal.

The Marysville Police Department was contacted and is assisting in the investigation.  Wal-Mart’s Fraud Department will also be requested to assist in this case.

Residents are cautioned to not send money for services to a company they do not recognize as being legitimate or if the circumstances are suspicious.  Anyone who is dealing with a suspicious or fraudulent telephone call or is threatened with arrest if they do not immediately comply with demands, should contact their local law enforcement agency or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and request to speak to an investigator.  The Gage County Sheriff’s Office can have a deputy respond 24 hours a day to any complaint.

Residents are advised to use due diligence in dealing with requests for money or personal or financial information from any source other than a legitimate, recognized business, a law enforcement officer whose identity can be verified, or official correspondence from a government agency.  If necessary, contact the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and request to speak with an investigator or seek legal counsel from a certified Nebraska attorney.

Generally, legitimate businesses do not use circuitous routes to obtain money or funds, they will have a corporate accounting office and the client/person should have complete confidence in where, and to who, their money is being sent.  “Red flags” for fraudulent activities are sending money or payments through accounts such as MoneyGram, or through third persons, to be forwarded to the person demanding payment.

Further information on frauds and scams can be found at the Gage County Sheriff’s Office website at http://www.gagecountysheriff.us/index.jsp and checking under the Public Awareness Section for the “Fraud / Identity Theft / Scams” section.  A link to the Federal Trade Commission is located there for additional reporting options and forms to be used for assistance in dealing with Identity Theft.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310