Gage County Sheriff facebook page
We're Here For You!
(402) 223-5221
 

Social Security Investigator Scam

DATE & TIME: 01-28-2019 @ 13:42

LOCATION: Beatrice, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Social Security Investigator Scam

CASE #: 2019-0454

A Beatrice resident received a call from 870-568-1623 and a suspect claiming to be an “officer” with the Social Security Administration, had basic information about him, such as his name and address, and was directing him to go to the Dollar General to get gift cards and provide him with the redemption information. The Beatrice resident was alert enough to tell the suspect he had to use the bathroom, put him on mute, then drove to the sheriff’s office where he spoke with a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator. When the victim and investigator were in an office, the investigator listened as the suspect then directed the victim to go to Wal-Mart and get cards there.

After confirming the victim had not provided any personal, confidential, or financial information, the investigator identified himself to the suspect, who became indignant and used profanity toward the victim and investigator. The suspect had a foreign accent and could not properly pronounce common words such as states or store names.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office advises residents that the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, or other federal agency will not call anyone and no government agency or reputable business will seek to obtain payment by redeeming gift cards.

If you receive a suspicious call of this nature, do not provide any personal, confidential, or financial information and do not be afraid to hang up and seek the advice of a family member, trusted financial advisor or police officer or deputy sheriff. Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigators can assist with confirming whether a call is fraudulent or a scam.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310