(Omaha, NE) -- The Nebraska State Patrol says they've had multiple reports of scammers fraudulently impersonating State of Nebraska officials on social media, including one instance where a victim lost $5,000 in cryptocurrency.
NSP says in a news release that the scheme typically originates with a look-alike social media profile for a government official. NSP says once the scammers establish communication with a victim, the malicious actors typically move the victim to a different communication platform, such as a messaging app. The scammer will then attempt to convince the victim of an authentic and secretive agreement by initiating conversations that appear to be with the state official.
The reported fraudulent schemes have promised a variety of perks, according to NSP, such as:
- Secretive financial grants totaling $500,000 or more, requiring a down payment.
- Financial transactions approved by government officials
- Secretive job offers
NSP further says state officials do not use social media sites or messaging applications to exchange sensitive financial or potential employment information with individuals, and refers potential job applicants to the State of Nebraska website.
"Anyone who has been contacted, or is still in contact with a malicious actor claiming to provide a variety of the perks mentioned above, should immediately cease communication with the malicious actor," the Nebraska State Patrol said in the release, also warning social media users to never to give the scammer any financial information. NSP further says if financial information has been provided, people should immediately contact their financial institution and ensure their accounts are secure.