Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Sophisticated Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams Targeting Minnesota Residents

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a sustained surge in sophisticated phone scams in which criminals impersonate law enforcement officers to pressure victims into sending money. Officials say the scams are becoming more targeted, more technologically advanced, and more psychologically manipulative, exploiting fear, urgency, and public trust in police institutions.

Recent alerts from the Sheriff’s Office and other Minnesota agencies show that these crimes are no longer limited to crude robocalls. Instead, scammers are deploying personalized tactics that closely mimic legitimate law enforcement procedures, making the fraud harder to detect and easier to believe.

How the Scam Works

According to investigators, scammers now rely on a combination of technology and social engineering to convince victims that the call is real.

One common tactic is caller ID spoofing. Using Voice over IP technology, scammers manipulate phone systems so the call appears to come from a legitimate government number, including the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 763-427-1212 or other Anoka County phone lines.

To further establish credibility, callers often use the real names of Sheriff’s Office employees, which are publicly available online. Victims report being given fake badge numbers, case numbers, or references to supposed investigations to reinforce the illusion of authority.

In some recent cases reported in 2024 and 2025, scammers have told victims they are under a federal gag order and are prohibited from speaking to family members or attorneys. Law enforcement says this tactic is designed to isolate victims and prevent them from verifying the call before money is sent.

The calls typically escalate quickly. Victims are told they missed jury duty, have an outstanding warrant, or are connected to a serious criminal investigation. Immediate arrest is threatened unless a fine or fee is paid on the spot.

What Law Enforcement Will Never Do

The Sheriff’s Office is unequivocal about what real deputies and officers will not do under any circumstances.

Law enforcement agencies do not request payment over the phone to resolve warrants, citations, or fines. They do not accept payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash apps, or wire transfers. Officers also do not call residents to warn them of imminent arrest in order to collect money.

Claims involving jury duty are another common red flag. The Minnesota Judicial Branch confirms that jury related matters are handled through official written correspondence, not phone calls demanding immediate payment.

“If a caller pressures you to act quickly, demands secrecy, or asks for money in unusual forms, it is a scam,” Sheriff’s Office officials said.

Who Is Being Targeted

While financial scams are often associated with seniors, Anoka County officials say the victim profile has broadened. A growing number of well educated adults age 40 and older are being targeted and successfully deceived.

Scammers increasingly use legal language, detailed personal information, and professional sounding scripts to gain trust. In some cases, callers reference a victim’s home address or workplace to sound legitimate.

Local institutions have taken notice. Anoka-Hennepin Schools has issued internal alerts after employees were targeted during the workday, underscoring how pervasive and indiscriminate the scam activity has become.

What To Do If You Receive a Call

The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to take immediate action if they receive a suspicious call claiming to be from law enforcement.

Hang up immediately and do not engage with the caller. Do not attempt to argue or gather information.

Verify independently by manually dialing the Sheriff’s Office non emergency number at 763-427-1212. Do not use the redial function or call back the number displayed on your phone.

Report the incident by filing a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and notifying local law enforcement. If any financial or personal information was shared, contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts and place fraud alerts.

Ongoing Prevention Efforts

Anoka County continues to promote its “Don’t Fall Victim to a Scam” initiative, which includes public education materials and a scam prevention workshop aimed at helping residents recognize emerging fraud tactics and respond quickly if targeted.

Additional consumer scam alerts and guidance are also available through the Minnesota Attorney General.

Sheriff’s Office officials emphasize that awareness remains the strongest defense.

“These scammers succeed when people feel rushed, isolated, or afraid,” officials said. “If you pause, hang up, and verify independently, you protect yourself and help protect the community.”

Residents are encouraged to share this information widely, particularly with friends, family members, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable, as impersonation scams continue to circulate across Anoka County and the broader Twin Cities region.

MinneapoliMedia