Social Security Scam

DATE & TIME: 09-06-2019 @ 11:11 am

LOCATION: Beatrice, Nebraska

OFFENSE: Social Security Scam

CASE #: 2019-4792

A resident of Beatrice called the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and notified an investigator he had been called several times by a person claiming to be with the Social Security Administration. The suspect made the spurious claim that his social security number had been used to buy a car that was later used in a robbery. The fraudulent agent then told him he was going to give him a temporary social security number and needed to verify his social security number and baking institutions.

The suspect’s phone number showed up as 816-399-3287 on the victim’s phone, however technology now exists allowing anyone to “spoof” or show a false phone number of their choosing.

The investigator urged the resident to call his financial institutions and let them know about the scam.  The banks were also contacted by the investigator to initiate a safety and anti-fraud plan for the victim.

At this time the Beatrice resident has not lost any money from his bank accounts. The Beatrice Police Department was notified of the report to the sheriff’s office for their files.

Residents should use caution when dealing with unknown persons on the phone, online, through the mail, or in person. If the person is demanding an immediate response, that should be considered a “red flag”, as well as if they want secrecy or threaten you with arrest. Take the time to speak with a family member, a close friend, a trusted financial advisor or call the police department or the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310