MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA—The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent warning to residents as a number of phone scams have recently cropped up in the area. These scams target many people, including those recently released from prison. The Sheriff’s Office stresses that employees never demand money or payments over the phone, do not call about warrants, and do not threaten arrest if the recipient does not comply with demands.

Details of the scams

Some of the most alarming scams reported include cases where scammers pose as sheriff’s deputies using the real names of Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office employees. In these cases, the scammer claims the call is related to a legal proceeding and threatens arrest if the victim does not return the call. When victims dial the number provided, they are taken to a voicemail that convincingly imitates an official sheriff’s office number and states that they have contacted the “Sheriff’s Office Data Practices Center.”

Another common scam targets people who have just been released from prison. The scammer, posing as a sergeant, contacts the former inmate and demands payment for an ankle bracelet through a kiosk. The scammer threatens rearrest if payment is not made. Other variations of the scam include calls falsely claiming the recipient has missed jury duty and now has a warrant out for their arrest, and threats that officers are on the way to arrest the caller if they do not pay immediately. Some scammers have even threatened arrest if the victim hangs up.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that police officers will never call individuals to demand money or threaten arrest. The office advises anyone who receives such a call to save the phone number and report the incident to local law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office also urges residents to inform their family members and friends, especially those who are vulnerable to these scams.

Resources for residents

The Hennepin County District Court offers a warrant hotline for people concerned about warrants. This resource can help people determine if they have a warrant out for their arrest and assist with scheduling a court hearing on the matter. The warrant hotline can be reached at (612) 540-6485. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you can leave voicemails anytime and people can also contact the hotline via email.

About the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is responsible for maintaining law and order in Hennepin County, the most populous county in Minnesota with nearly 1.3 million residents. The HCSO employs approximately 900 people and is divided into six offices: Public Safety Services, Investigations, Administrative Services, Public Affairs, Court and Field Services, and Detention Services. The office is actively involved in community outreach programs designed to promote positive interactions between law enforcement and the public. As of January 3, 2023, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt, who maintains the agency’s commitment to public safety and community engagement.

Written by: Will Wight