Threatening Law Enforcement Scam Surfaces in Southeast Minnesota
Undated (KROC-AM News)- Authorities in southeastern Minnesota are warning residents of recent reports of law enforcement scams.
Two recent scams have prompted the warnings. Both involve the scammers claiming to be from local sheriff’s offices.
The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office said dispatchers took a dozen reports Wednesday of a scammer spoofing the sheriff’s office’s phone number or 911.
The caller will tell their target that there’s a warrant out for their arrest relating to a traffic violation, missed jury duty, tax violation or other minor infraction.
The scammer will then instruct the person they’re calling to either turn themselves in or pay to settle the warrant through a reduced payment via gift card or other electronic money sharing method. The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office says they’ll sometimes call a person to inform them of an active arrest warrant but will never ask for money over the phone.
The other scam was reported in Houston County where a scammer is claiming to be a member of the county’s sheriff’s office. A citizen reported getting a call from someone claiming to be from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
The scammer accused the person of committing a crime and asked them to meet in person. Officials say they’re unsure what the caller wanted.
Anyone who gets a call from law enforcement is asked to verify the person with the agency they are calling from and to never disclose personal information over the phone.
Tips to Avoid Being Victimized By Scams
Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio
More From KROC-AM
