Beware phone call scams

Submitted by Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas

Fake Law Enforcement scams

 Area law enforcement has received multiple calls from citizens saying that someone has contacted them demanding money because of a missed court date or because they missed jury duty. The caller requests an electronic transfer of funds or directs the victim to buy gift cards to resolve the matter.

These calls are fraudulent. Law enforcement will not solicit an electronic transfer of money by phone or gift cards. Officers caution that modern technology makes it possible for callers to alter the identification which shows up on the receiving phone, and warn folks not to rely on that as verification of the caller’s identity. The scammers are using the names of law enforcement staff to try to convince victims the call is legitimate.   

Anyone who has experienced a financial loss as a result of this scam is encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency at 507-835-0500 to report the incident. Additional information on common scams can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety and https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams