FARGO (KFGO) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is putting out an alert about three scams that continue to be reported throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Sheriff Jesse Jahner says the scams are designed to create fear and urgency, particularly by convincing individuals that they may have an active arrest warrant.
In some cases, the Sheriff’s Office says scammers are also targeting family members and loved ones of incarcerated individuals. The Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to remain cautious.
“The Cass County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working collaboratively with the community to raise awareness and prevent fraud. We want our community members to be aware of these tactics so they can recognize the warning signs and protect themselves. Our goal in issuing public notifications is to ensure that no one falls victim to these scams or any other fraudulent scheme,” said Sheriff Jesse Jahner.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office will never demand immediate payment over the phone, request gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to resolve warrants, provide bond, or provide payment for alternative corrections. The office provided the information below to help the public navigate the scams and avoid getting their money stolen.
SCAMS:
1. Alternative Corrections | Pre-Trial Services
A victim receives a phone call from an alleged Cass County Deputy who informs them that their incarcerated family member qualifies for our Community Service Unit, a legitimate alternative corrections program. The scammer requests an electronic payment before participation in the program can begin. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office does offer alternative corrections, including ankle bracelet monitoring and 24/7 monitoring programs. However, payments for these programs are accepted only through the means listed below.
Payment Methods:
- Ankle Bracelet: Cash or Money Order – In person at the Cass County Jail.
- 24/7 Program: In person at the Cass County Jail. The cash is deposited into the lobby kiosk under the inmate’s name. Or credit card transaction online, under the link “Give Money” on the Cass County Jail’s website – the link directs you to the commissary vendor “Inmatecanteen.com.”
- If you have questions, contact the Community Service Unit at (701) 271-2909, Monday – Friday, 07:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2. Bond Payment
Scammers are contacting family members of people who are currently incarcerated. The scammer falsely identifies as a deputy with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and, at times, uses a spoofed phone number that appears to come from a legitimate Cass County Sheriff’s Office line. The scammer advises the family that they can send a bond payment via an electronic method. The Cass County Jail does not accept bond payments over the phone, via text message, or through any digital payment app.
If you get one of these calls, do not send money, do not buy gift cards, or provide any other means of payment. Hang up the phone and contact the Cass County Jail directly at (701) 271-2919. If needed, use the website outlining the proper procedures and acceptable methods for accepting the bond.
3. Warrant
Scammers identify themselves as a deputy from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and notify the victim that they have missed jury duty or some form of criminal activity, and that they have an active arrest warrant. The scammer requests payment via electronic means, resulting in monetary loss. If at any time you don’t feel the circumstances are adding up, simply end the phone conversation, call the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at (701) 451-7660, and request to speak with a deputy.
An important reminder for the public regarding warrants: At times, Cass County personnel will place phone calls to notify individuals of a warrant and to schedule a court appearance. However, under no circumstances is bond payment requested by sheriff’s office personnel over the telephone and/or in any form other than cash. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office will accept payment on a warrant; however, the bond must be paid in cash and must be done at the courthouse. If you have any questions regarding an active warrant, the sheriff’s office encourages you to call our warrant division at (701) 241-1283.
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