Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Megan Larson, 612-919-5918
HENNEPIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT SCAMS IMPERSONATING DEPUTIES, TARGETING PEOPLE BEING RELEASED FROM JAIL
August 9, 2024, MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is warning its residents that there are several phone scams targeting people in the county, including two cases that are increasing in frequency. The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind people that staff will never ask for money or payment over the phone, will not call about a warrant, and will not threaten to make an arrest over the phone if the caller does not comply with demands. Never give personal information out over the phone to someone you do not know, especially a social security number or credit card information.
Specific scams include:
- Scammers are impersonating deputies using real names from the Sheriff’s Office. The scammer says it’s regarding a court case and the victim must call back before an arrest is made. The number to call back goes to an official-sounding voicemail saying callers have reached the Sheriff’s Office Data Practices Center.
- The second scam is targeting people leaving jail custody. A person identifying themselves as a sergeant is reaching out to people requesting payment at a kiosk for an ankle monitor. Another scam threatened to re-arrest the person if they didn’t comply.
Other scams being reported include scammers calling saying someone missed jury duty and now there is a warrant, threats that deputies are on their way to arrest the caller if they don’t pay, and one where a scammer says if the caller hangs up, they will be arrested.
A reminder that cops don’t call for cash. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will never call demanding payment. If you get these calls, save the number and report them to law enforcement and please tell family and friends who may be targeted.
The Hennepin County District Court provides a Warrant Helpline that can help individuals determine whether they have a warrant and schedule a court hearing to take care of a case. The Warrant Helpline is (612) 540-6485. The Helpline is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. but you may call at any time and leave a voicemail message. You may also email the Warrant Helpline.
About the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office:
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is charged with keeping and preserving the peace in Hennepin County, the most populated county in Minnesota with nearly 1.3 million residents. The HCSO’s full strength is approximately 900 employees and is comprised of six bureaus: Public Safety Services, Investigations, Administrative Services, Public Affairs, Court and Field Services, and Detention Services. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is a proactive organization that participates in and hosts community programs to promote positive interactions with law enforcement.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt, who was sworn in on January 3, 2023.
– HCSO–
Look for more news on the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office website at hennepinsheriff.org.
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