Sweepstakes Scam

DATE & TIME: 02-11-2020 @ 1515

LOCATION: Rural Beatrice    

OFFENSE: Sweepstakes Scam

CASE #: 2020-0722

A resident of rural Beatrice informed the Gage County Sheriff’s Office he had received a phone call from the number 516-415-1694 and the suspect told him he had won $19,000,000.00 in the Global House Sweepstakes. The information the suspect provided to the Gage County resident seemed suspicious, so he informed an investigator at the sheriff’s office.

The victim did not lose any money and was advised to not answer any calls from the suspect. He stated he was able to quickly ascertain it was a scam because he had heard of similar scams from previous sheriff’s office news releases. The standard modus operandi for this type of scam is to trick the victim into believing they will receive a large payout, but the suspect has to obtain money upfront for taxes or fees. The victim never receives any money and the suspects continue to press for more money to be sent to them via credit card, money order, or by having the victim buy gift cards and giving the suspect the redemption information.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be very careful when dealing with persons over the phone and to not provide any personal, confidential, or financial information to unknown persons. If you receive a scam phone call or other form of contact, notify the 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