Stearns County Warns Residents of Phone Scam Impersonating Sheriff’s Deputies

(KNSI) – An all too common scam is rearing its head in central Minnesota, with residents receiving unsolicited phone calls threatening their arrest unless an immediate payment is made.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office says it has taken reports of fraudsters impersonating members of the sheriff’s office. These criminals may use real names of officers, spoof official phone numbers and claim there are warrants for missed jury duty or other issues requiring immediate payment.

Law enforcement reminds residents that they will never demand payment over the phone, and that they don’t accept wire transfers, gift cards, or personal banking information.

Deputies say if you get a call like this, ignore it and hang up. The sheriff’s office is warning the community to help protect people from being victims. Many of these scams originate overseas, and once the money is sent, it is likely gone, with no way to get it back.

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