Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Phone Scams Targeting Residents, Including People Released from Jail
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA—The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent warning to residents about a series of phone scams that have recently surged in the area. These scams target many individuals, including those just released from jail. The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that staff will never request money or payment over the phone, will not call about warrants, and will not threaten arrest if the recipient does not comply with demands.
Details of the Scams
Among the most alarming scams reported are instances where fraudsters impersonate sheriff’s deputies using the real names of actual Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office employees. In these cases, the scammer claims the call is related to a court case and threatens arrest if the victim does not return the call. When victims dial the provided number, they reach a voicemail that convincingly mimics an official Sheriff’s Office line, stating that they have contacted the “Sheriff’s Office Data Practices Center.”
Another prevalent scam targets individuals just released from jail. The scammer, posing as a sergeant, contacts the former inmate and demands payment via a kiosk for an ankle monitor. The scammer threatens re-arrest if the payment is not made. Other variations of the scam include calls falsely claiming that the recipient has missed jury duty and now has an active warrant and threats that deputies are en route to arrest the caller if they do not pay immediately. Some scammers have even threatened arrest if the victim hangs up the phone.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that law enforcement officers will never call individuals to demand money or threaten arrest over the phone. The office advises anyone who receives such a call to save the phone number and report it to local law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office also urges residents to inform their family members and friends, particularly those vulnerable to these scams.
Resources for Residents
The Hennepin County District Court offers a Warrant Helpline for individuals concerned about warrants. This resource can help people determine whether they have an active warrant and assist in scheduling a court hearing to address the issue. The Warrant Helpline can be reached at (612) 540-6485. While the helpline is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., voicemails can be left at any time, and individuals may also contact the helpline via email.
About the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is responsible for maintaining peace and order across Hennepin County, the most populous county in Minnesota with nearly 1.3 million residents. The HCSO operates with approximately 900 employees and is organized into six bureaus: 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 foster positive interactions between law enforcement and the public. Since January 3, 2023, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has been led by Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt, who upholds the agency's commitment to public safety and community engagement.
Written by: Will Wight
