The Lincoln Police Department is investigating a fraud where a caller claimed to be an LPD lieutenant. LPD Public Information Manager Erika Thomas says the victim told officers the caller identified himself as law enforcement and said she failed to appear in court and had a warrant for her arrest.
“The scammer instructed her to send payment via CVS money transfer and BitCoin transfer for a total loss of $1,600.” Thomas says he used a fake name and badge number during the call. “LPD will never contact you to request payment over the phone,” Thomas says.
She says use the acronym SCAM avoid becoming a victim: Stop – don’t act on fear, threats or urgency, Check -hang up and independently verify caller, Avoid – if pressured, do NOT send cryptocurrency, Make a report – call LPD at 402-441-6000
You can learn more about financial and cryptocurrency scams and resources by clicking here.