Tree cut down at Lancaster County home as part of ‘elaborate’ scam, deputy says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an “elaborate” scam that involved the removal of a mature maple tree.

Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said Friday that a person arrived home to find the maple tree in his yard had been cut down and partially removed.

After reviewing security camera footage and calling the tree service company, they learned someone impersonating a dead relative requested the removal.

Houchin said the impersonator, who sent along a picture of the maple tree, gave the company a check for the work, plus an extra $4,000.

Shortly after, the scammer told the tree company to send the $4,000 back to them, according to Houchin.

The tree company did not follow through with the scammer’s request.

“We have not seen this one before, it was pretty elaborate,” Houchin said.