Lincoln Police say a 24-year-old man was involved in an elaborate dating scam where scammers are claimed to be with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. LPD Public Information Manager Erika Thomas says on Thursday the man told police he began texting with a woman he met on the app “Plenty of Fish” who claimed to be 19 and began sending explicit images.
“Shortly after, the victim got a call from someone claiming to be with LSO saying the woman was a minor and her parents wanted to press charges,” Thomas says. “When police officers called back the number, the voicemail claimed to be Terry Wagner with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.”
Thomas says the victim also received text messages from other numbers claiming to be the woman’s father asking for money to avoid criminal action and to pay for therapy. “We want to commend the victim in this case for taking immediate action< Thomas says. “He did not send any money, deleted the app, reported the incident to police and blocked the numbers.”
Thomas says if you or someone you know is contacted by someone claiming to be law enforcement and the interaction seems suspicious, do not share personal information or send money. Hang up and independently verify by calling LPD at 402-441-6000 or LSO at 402-441-6500.