Sheriff’s Office: scammer impersonating department, asking for money

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says someone is running a scam, impersonating department officials asking for money.

The Sheriff’s Office says they have received multiple calls from residents saying that someone from the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office contacted them requesting an electronic transfer of money to resolve a missed court date or address unpaid tickets. The caller provides the names of actual Sheriff’s Office employees, and the phone number appears legitimate. The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says these calls are fraudulent.

The Sheriff’s Office says law enforcement will not solicit the transfer of money to resolve legal matters and modern technology makes it possible for people to alter their caller ID so do not rely on that as verification of the caller’s identity.

Anyone that has experienced a financial loss as a result of this scam is encouraged to call 911 for assistance. Those that have not suffered a financial loss do not need to report.

Additional information on common scams can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-helpyou/safety-resources/scams-and-safety and consumer.ftc.gov/scams.

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