Theft by Deception / Grandma Scam

DATE & TIME: 05-27-2020 @ 12:14 pm

LOCATION: Rural Beatrice

OFFENSE: Theft by Deception / Grandma Scam

CASE #: 2020-2319

A resident of rural Beatrice received a phone call on 05-26-2020 from a male stating he was her grandson. She stated he sounded like her grandson, so she did not question him when he stated he had been in an accident and needed $8,700.00 for bond for jail, court fees, attorney fees, and other mulct. Another male, claiming to be her grandson’s attorney, telephoned her and instructed her to send cash to an address in Hollywood, Florida with next morning delivery, which she did.

The suspect told her the judge had issued a “gag order”, restricting anyone from talking about the case, so she did not notify family or friends about the situation. On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, she was contacted by the suspects again, who wanted her to send $9,000.00 in cash, however she consulted with her family and a financial advisor, who stopped her from sending the money and directed her to report the incident to the Gage County Sheriff’s Office.

An investigator at the sheriff’s office checked with UPS, however the first package with the cash had been delivered four hours prior to the report being made. The investigator contacted the police department in Hollywood, Florida to request assistance.

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to use caution when dealing with financial situations, especially if secrecy or urgency is demanded by the suspects. Confer with family, friends, or a trusted financial advisor prior to taking any action, or contact 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