Over the weekend, a 75-year-old Lincoln woman was frauded out of nearly $2,000 after receiving a fishy phone call from a person claiming to be “Sgt. Randy Clark” with the Lincoln Police Department.
LPD Public Information Officer Erika Thomas said Monday, the supposed sergeant claimed the woman had a warrant for her arrest for failing to appear in court, and needed to pay $2,400 to avoid going to jail.
A dead giveaway that this would be a scam attempt: “Sgt. Clark” asked the woman to send the money through Apple Pay and Bitcoin.
The victim ultimately did send $1,500 through Apple Pay and an additional $480 through a Coin Star/Bitcoin machine for a total $1,980 lost.
Only after realizing it was a scam, the woman called LPD.
“Lincoln Police will not call you requesting payment for anything,” Thomas reminded the community. “Especially over the phone, through apps, or Bitcoin. Please remain vigilant and when in doubt, hang up.”
Thomas added that people concerned they may be getting scammed can always call the LPD non-emergency line at 402-441-6000 to ask about anyone claiming to be with the department.