The search is on for scammers that targeted a fundraiser. Lincoln Police were called to 402 Ink at 810 N 48th Street around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22nd. The owner reported they were hosting a fundraiser on their website to sell t-shirts for the “Know More Campaign”. Proceeds from the sale were to go to Voices of Hope. They raised $10,960.
The organizer from Know More was in communication with Voices of Hope to transfer the funds to them. During the same time, the organizer received an email from someone claiming to be from Voices of Hope who provided information on how to wire the money to their account. That email was forwarded to 402 Ink who made the transfer using the information provided.
The organizer then received additional emails asking about the money transfer. After growing suspicious, they contacted Voices of hope and learned they did not receive the money and were not the ones communicating with them.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600. Scammers can be very convincing and mask their identity to appear as a legitimate business or person. Scammers spoof web sites, phone numbers, and/or email addresses to defraud people out of money.