The FBI has launched the “Take A Beat” Campaign to raise awareness of the frauds and scams that impact people’s lives and the need for the public to report them to law enforcement. Throughout the campaign, the FBI is sharing information to highlight different types of fraud and scams, tips for identifying them and preventing losses and how victims can report to protect others.
Eugene Kowel is the special agent in charge at the FBI office in Omaha and says “Take A Beat” is a campaign that urges people to resist pressure to act quickly, pause for a moment and assess the
situation.
“One of the most common tactics scammers employ is a false sense of urgency or isolation,” Kowel says. “They may try to instill trust, induce empathy or fear, or promise monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities, all to lure victims into immediate action.”
He says last year in Nebraska there were reported losses of over $40 million, and that’s just amount that people report. According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center data, there have already been $1.6 billion in losses from January to May of 2024, which is nearly $300 million more from the same time last year.
“Anyone can become a victim of fraud,” Kowel says. “It’ critical to talk to parents, grandparents, children, and other loved ones about fraud and how to identify the warning signs of a scam. Fraudsters often purposefully make victims feel isolated.
While fraud can happen to anyone, there are small steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your information:
Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device
or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts
and monitor for suspicious activity.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
Search online for the contact information of any unknown source which reaches out to you as well as the proposed offer.
Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
If you or someone you know becomes a victim call the local FBI Office in Omaha at 402-493-8688 or reach out online at tips.fbi.gov. For more information on the common frauds and scams the FBI encounters click here