Here at Bronco’s Hamburgers, we believe the only thing that should be sizzling is a fresh burger on the grill—not your phone blowing up with suspicious calls and texts. Lately, there’s been a rise in scam activity across eastern Nebraska, including right here in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding communities. So while you’re enjoying your favorite meal, here’s a quick (and important) heads-up to keep you and your family safe.
What’s Up with 402 Numbers?If you see a call or text from a 402 area code, it looks local—and that’s exactly why scammers use it.
The 402 area code covers much of eastern Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and nearby towns. Scammers take advantage of that familiarity using a trick called “neighbor spoofing,” making it seem like the call is coming from just down the road.
But don’t be fooled—just because it looks local doesn’t mean it’s legit.
Common Scams Hitting Nebraska (2026)We’ve been seeing several types of scams popping up across the region:
Government Impersonation
Calls claiming to be from law enforcement or federal agencies, threatening arrest or legal trouble.
Fake Bank Alerts
Messages about “suspicious charges” designed to trick you into giving up verification codes or account info.
Smishing Texts
Texts pretending to be from the Nebraska DMV or other agencies, asking for payment on fake fines.
Emergency/Kidnapping Scams
Scary calls claiming a loved one is in danger and demanding immediate payment.
What To Do If You Get OneIf something feels off, trust your gut—and follow these steps:
1. Hang Up Immediately
Don’t press buttons or engage. Even interacting can make things worse.
2. Don’t Share Personal Info
No legitimate organization will ask for your Social Security number, PIN, or passwords out of the blue.
3. Verify the Source
If it sounds serious, contact the organization directly using their official website or phone number—not the one that called you.
4. Block & Report
Report suspicious calls or texts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and help stop these scams in their tracks.
We’ve been serving Nebraska communities for generations, and we care about more than just great burgers—we care about our neighbors.
So next time your phone rings from a number you don’t recognize, remember:
If it smells fishy… it’s not Bronco’s.
Stay safe, stay smart—and when you’re ready for something real, we’ll have a hot, fresh burger waiting for you.
Bronco’s Hamburgers — Where Quality Rides!
