IRS Scam Phone Call / Attempted Theft By Deception

DATE & TIME: 12-13-2017 @ 0943

LOCATION: Wymore, Nebraska     

OFFENSE: IRS Scam Phone Call / Attempted Theft By Deception                      

CASE #: 2017-6838

A Wymore couple contacted Gage County investigators to report they had both received telephone calls on their cell phones from someone claiming to be from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), and wanting them to call them back.  Both residents did not answer when they received the call and had the caller leave a message on their voicemail. On one of the messages, the caller identified himself as “Officer Johnathan Knight” from the IRS. The other caller stated there was tax fraud on his IRS return and to call him back.

Neither of the Wymore residents gave out personal, financial, or confidential information and neither of them returned the call. They are not out any money and do not report any suspicious activity on their banking or credit accounts. This report was forwarded to the Wymore Police Department for their investigation and report files.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be wary of phone calls, e-mail, US mail, or personal contact from people they do not know or cannot verify who they are. If anyone receives a suspicious contact in any form, they should immediately contact their local police department or call the Gage County Sheriffs’ Office and ask to speak with an investigator. Residents are urged to use caution when dealing with financial matters involving unknown persons. Warning signs they may be dealing with a fraud or a scam include, but are not limited to; requesting payment immediately, agreeing to work secretly or privately to avoid embarrassment, directing payment to go through third parties or via unconventional methods (such as gift cards or similar devices), or being contacted by government agencies via phone or e-mail and requesting or demanding payment or face arrest.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310