Western North Dakota Officials Say Fake Warrant Calls Are On The Rise

Residents across western North Dakota are being warned about a troubling phone scam that appears to be gaining momentum. Law enforcement agencies say scammers are calling people and pretending to be deputies, officers, or court officials in an attempt to scare victims into sending money immediately.

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How The Fake Warrant Scam Tries To Frighten Victims Into Paying

The scam usually starts with a phone call or voicemail claiming the person has an active warrant for a missed court appearance, unpaid citation, or outstanding fine. The caller often introduces themselves with an official-sounding name such as “Officer Smith from the Sheriff’s Office” to make the call sound believable.

The message is designed to create panic. Victims are often told they must act “right away” or they could be arrested. In many cases, scammers demand immediate payment over the phone to supposedly clear the warrant or avoid jail time.

Authorities want the public to know these calls are completely fake.

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Officials Share The Biggest Red Flags And What To Do If You Get One Of These Calls

Law enforcement agencies will never call someone demanding payment for a warrant or citation. They also will never request payment through gift cards, cash apps, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or other electronic payment methods. Officials say those payment requests are one of the biggest warning signs of a scam.

Unfortunately, scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure people into making quick decisions before they have time to think things through. Anyone can become a target, especially older adults or people unfamiliar with how official court procedures work.

If you receive one of these suspicious calls, officials recommend taking several important steps immediately:

• Hang up the phone
• Do not send money
• Do not provide personal information
• Do not return the phone call

Authorities also encourage residents to warn family members, friends, and neighbors about the scam so more people can recognize the warning signs before falling victim.

If you are ever uncertain whether a call is legitimate, contact your local law enforcement agency directly using an official phone number. Taking a few extra minutes to verify information could save you from losing money or exposing sensitive personal information.