stopping a transaction and help recover the money if it has already been sent. What misconceptions do people have about fraud victims? One of the biggest misconceptions is that fraud victims are careless or that scams happen only to people who are not technologically savvy. That’s not true. These schemes are designed to manipulate people, and they can affect individuals of any age, income level or education. People should not feel embarrassed about reporting fraud. Shame and embarrassment often delay reporting, and that can make it more difficult to recover funds or identify the suspect. Reporting the crime helps law enforcement understand the scope of the problem and may prevent someone else from becoming a victim. How important is community education and public awareness in fighting fraud? Public awareness is critical. Fraud prevention is not just an investigative issue; it’s a community safety issue, and everyone has a role in it. The more people understand how fraud schemes work, the more likely they are to recognize the red flags before money or personal information is lost. Education also helps reduce the stigma around a person reporting that they were a fraud victim. If someone knows they can report a suspected scam without being judged, they may be more likely to come forward quickly. What are some red flags that should immediately make someone slow down, verify independently, and protect their personal information and money? Be cautious when someone demands immediate action, threatens consequences, asks you to keep the interaction secret, requests payment through an unusual method, or contacts you unexpectedly about an account or financial problem. Other red flags include unfamiliar links, offers that sound too good to be true or a person who refuses to let you verify their identity independently. If something feels unusual, pause and check it before acting. What can families do to protect themselves and loved ones from fraud? Families can help by having regular conversations about scams, encouraging loved ones to verify unexpected requests and creating a plan for what to do if someone receives a suspicious message or phone call. It’s also important to approach these conversations without judgment. The goal is to make sure people feel comfortable asking for help if they believe they’ve been a victim of fraud. More About Sheriff Hanson What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement? My path to law enforcement began as a teen. I was working at a small business in the Florence area and witnessed a robbery. After seeing how the Omaha police officer who responded handled the call and interacted with the victim, I was impressed. Conversations with that officer about his experiences piqued my curiosity in the field and really hooked me. What does a typical week as sheriff look like for you? Law enforcement is more about problem-solving than I think many people realize. There really is no such thing as a “typical week” in law enforcement. But every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow and serve our community. What’s one thing about Nebraska or your community that makes you proud to serve here? The people. What’s something about you that might surprise people? I am an apiarist (beekeeper). I also enjoy hunting and gardening. If you weren’t in law enforcement, what do you think you’d be doing? I would probably be a hydrologist. My dad was a chemist and oversaw the Douglas County landfill. I have always been interested in water use and groundwater protection. 13 NEBRASKA BANKER
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