Nebraska woman charged $353 for emergency serivce in California despite never visiting state

A fire department in Northern California charged a Nebraska senior citizen hundreds of dollars for an emergency response — despite the woman never stepping foot in the city. 

As a lifelong Omaha resident, Linda Johnson, 78, was shocked when she received a $353 bill from the city of Roseville’s fire department for an emergency service on December 15, 2025, according to WOWT. 

“I’ve never been in California. I have a cousin living in California, but I don’t want to go to California,” Johnson told the outlet.

After getting not one, but three bills in the mail, Johnson grew concerned the fire department might send it to a collection agency — especially after she was notified it was past due.

“I know it wasn’t me. It might have been an error, and then they keep coming and now they tell me it’s past due,” she said.

Johnson’s son, Trammel, called the billing service for the city and discovered the charge was for the “fire engine’s medical response. 

A department spokesperson didn’t provide any details on how the mistake happened, other than telling SFGate that the bill was a result of a “clerical error.” 

Someone with the same name who actually lives in California was supposed to receive the bill, according to The Sacramento Bee. 

Johnson said it took a “load off” her back after the department acknowledged the mistake. 

“I’ve got enough bills, I’ve got enough problems,” she said.

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