Publishers Clearing House Text Message Scam

DATE & TIME: 04-14-2021 @ 1000

LOCATION: Rural Beatrice    

OFFENSE: Publishers Clearing House Text Message Scam

CASE #: 2021-1433

A resident of rural Beatrice called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office to report he and his wife received several text messages from a suspect claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House telling him he had won $150,000.00. The suspect stated he was just leaving the house of one of their friends in Lincoln and directed him to go purchase $1,000.00 in gift cards to pay a fee related to delivery of the $150,000.00.

The victim was aware of this type of scam because he has read Gage County Sheriff’s Office news releases in the local media and had also read an article in AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) magazine describing this Modus Operandi (M.O.). The suspect told him to go to a store and try to not act suspicious, in order to avoid bringing attention to what they were doing.  After obtaining the card, the victim was supposed to take a picture of the redemption information on the back of the card and send it to the suspect. He was also told he would not have to pay taxes on the winnings.

The victim did not make any gift card purchases and did not reveal any personal, financial, or confidential information to the suspect. There is no monetary or financial loss to the victim in this case. The Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator explained to the victim that the use of gift cards by suspects is a newer trend as the money on the gift cards can be instantly sent electronically to other accounts, even to accounts outside the United States.

This incident illustrates the effectiveness of the partnership between law enforcement, the media, and non-government organizations to protect the assets of people. If you receive any type of communication that is suspicious or from someone you do not know, do not provide any personal, confidential or financial information to that person and do not succumb to demands for privacy or threats of arrest. Contact the police department in your town or call the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator to report the matter.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310 - Investigations