Theft by Deception - Beatrice

DATE & TIME: 08-04-2017 / 10:10 am

LOCATION: Beatrice 

OFFENSE: Attempted Theft by Deception / Fraud

CASE #: 2017-4310   

A Beatrice resident reported to Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigators she had received a telephone call on her land line telephone, with the caller ID indicating it was from the “County Offices.”  She states they asked third party medical questions, but when they asked, “Can you hear me”, she stated she told the caller, “Nope” and hung up the phone.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office confirmed with the caller she had not given out any personal, confidential, or financial information and had not suffered any financial or monetary loss.  She stated her concern was that her caller ID had shown “County Offices”, which is why she had answered the call, but she had been aware of numerous scams reported to the Gage County Sheriff’s Office, particularly the “Can you hear me?” scam, where the victim answers yes, and their answer is tape recorded and spliced into a recorded agreement to purchase an unwanted item, service, or warranty.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution when dealing with unknown persons on the telephone, internet or in person.  Personal, confidential or financial information should never be given out to unknown persons or businesses. 

Anyone who suspects a fraud should immediately contact 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