A Miami man, Jordan Janvier, 33, was arrested and extradited to Omaha for allegedly stealing more than $45,000 from three Nebraska banks and their customers using a “smishing” scam.
According to Douglas County authorities, Janvier sent fraudulent text messages posing as bank fraud alerts to trick victims into revealing account information. Security cameras reportedly captured him conducting the scheme during three trips to Omaha this past summer.
“The smishing scam comes via text claiming suspicious bank activity,” Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson said. “It directs victims to contact the scammers instead of their bank.”
Investigators said victims provided account information believing the texts were legitimate. The stolen funds were then transferred to digital wallets on phones. To raise withdrawal limits, Janvier allegedly called banks posing as customers, making requests such as needing extra funds for shopping or a funeral.
Janvier reportedly traveled from Miami to Omaha multiple times to avoid triggering fraud detection. During visits, he purchased money orders with the stolen funds. Authorities tracked him to Miami, where he was arrested and extradited to Nebraska.
The scheme targeted customers of three Nebraska banks, causing losses exceeding $45,000. Janvier is held in Douglas County Jail on 10% of a $250,000 bond, and the investigation is ongoing, with more arrests possible.
Richard Baier of the Nebraska Bankers Association warned bank customers to independently verify fraud alerts by calling a known number or visiting a branch.
