Attempted Theft By Deception / IRS Scam

DATE & TIME: 11-01-2017

LOCATION: Bear Creek Subdivision, Beatrice

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft By Deception / IRS Scam

CASE #: 2017-6008

A resident of rural Beatrice reported to a sheriff’s office investigator that he had received telephone calls on 10-31-2017 and 11-01-2017 from an unknown male who identified himself as “Officer Jonathan Knight” from the IRS.  The suspect mentioned something about fraudulent taxes having been filed and needed the victim to call him back. The victim believed it to be a scam and had his cell phone provider block the number, but the same subject called back from another number, which had an entirely different area code.

The investigator confirmed with the victim he did not lose any money and suggested he attempt to have the second number blocked, or not answer the phone call. The resident was advised to check his bank accounts and credit cards and to check his mail for possible fraudulent accounts opened in his name. The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution when dealing with persons on the phone, over the Internet, or through the mail.  Be wary of demands for money, particularly those that require immediate payment, urge secrecy, or want payment in an unorthodox manner and not through regular business methods.

Anyone who believes they have received a fraudulent call or are concerned someone is attempting to scam them out of money are encouraged to call their 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