Theft –Felony (Value over $5,000.00)

DATE & TIME: 03-16-2018 / 1654

LOCATION: Rural Cortland

OFFENSE: Theft –Felony (Value over $5,000.00)

CASE #:  2018-1116

A resident of rural Cortland reported to a Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator he had been shopping on Craigslist and found a vehicle he decided to purchase. After communicating with the seller, he sent $8,000.00 to a supposed third party bank account in California, with the understanding the vehicle would be shipped to him. After several days of not receiving the vehicle, he attempted to contact the third party negotiating the sale and the person selling the vehicle, however the other persons would not respond to him and he was unable to contact anyone.

He states his bank is working with him on attempting to retrieve or stop the payment, however the $8,000.00 money transfer was to a legitimate bank account and that money has apparently been withdrawn. The Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigator will be working with the victim’s bank, as well as the Lincoln Police Department regarding this theft.

The victim was advised to closely monitor his banking, credit, and financial accounts as well as to check his mail for any fraudulent accounts that may have been opened in his name in conjunction with this case. The victim will also be making an online report to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftc.gov/. He was advised he can access that website through a link on the Gage County Sheriff’s Office website.  For further help or information regarding frauds, scams, and identity theft, go to the Public Awareness section of the Gage County Sheriff’s Office at http://www.gagecountysheriff.us/fraud
Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call, e-mail, letter, or contact, or believes they are the victim of a fraud or scam should call their local police department or contact the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and ask to speak with an investigator.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Investigator T. Hanson #90310