Social Security Number Scam - Beatrice

DATE & TIME: 08-22-2017 / 0915

LOCATION: Beatrice, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Social Security Number Scam / Theft By Deception

CASE #: 2017-4748

A resident of Beatrice called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and spoke with an investigator to report her husband had received a telephone call stating his social security number had been discontinued.  She states he was given a “case number” and to call a number to have the situation resolved.  She stated she immediately suspected this was an attempt at fraud, based on previous news releases from the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.  She said she had called the social security office and they had recommended she call her local law enforcement agency.

The investigator confirmed with her that she had not lost any money or had not given out any confidential information.  She was advised to monitor her banking accounts and mail for fraudulently opened credit cards or purchases.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator notified Beatrice Police Department investigators of the attempted fraud for their case files.

Residents are urged to use caution and to not be pressured, scared, threatened or coerced into making a rush decision.  You should not give out personal, financial, or confidential information over the telephone or internet unless you are 100% certain of the identity and reputation of the person you are speaking to.

If a situation does not follow normal business or governmental practices, you should not make any decision or transfer any funds and should immediately call the local police department or contact the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and request to speak with an investigator, or if one is not available, ask to speak with a Gage County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310