Cass County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about resurfacing jury duty phone scam in Fargo Moorhead area
Fargo, North Dakota – Authorities in Cass County are warning residents about a renewed scam that has been circulating throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says scammers are once again targeting community members with fraudulent phone calls related to jury duty.
According to officials, the scam involves callers posing as law enforcement officers who claim that the person receiving the call failed to appear for jury duty. The callers then attempt to pressure the victim into paying an immediate fine in order to avoid arrest.
Investigators say the scam is designed to create fear and urgency so victims feel forced to act quickly.
Sheriff’s Office warns residents about jury duty scam
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office explained that scammers are contacting residents by phone and falsely telling them they missed jury duty and must pay a fine right away.
Officials stressed that these calls are fraudulent and urged residents not to send money or share personal information.
Law enforcement made it clear that “Law enforcement will never call and demand payment over the phone.”
Officials also emphasized that legitimate agencies will never request payment in unusual ways. The Sheriff’s Office warned residents that “We will never request gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.”
In addition, authorities noted that scammers often attempt to intimidate victims by threatening immediate legal consequences. However, officials said “We will not threaten immediate arrest for failing to pay over the phone.”
How residents can protect themselves
The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to remain cautious and verify any suspicious calls. Officials advise people not to provide personal or financial details if they receive unexpected calls claiming to be from law enforcement.
Residents are urged to hang up if a call feels suspicious or if someone is demanding money.
To confirm whether a call is legitimate, the Sheriff’s Office recommends contacting Red River Regional Dispatch at (701) 451-7660 and asking to speak with the deputy who allegedly made the call. An on-duty deputy can then verify whether the contact was real.
Authorities say the increase in scam reports has prompted the department to raise awareness in the community.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office also acknowledged that people may be unsure whether calls are legitimate. Officials say they understand residents may want to verify the situation and encourage them to do so before responding to any demands for money.
Law enforcement stressed that verifying the call through official channels can help prevent residents from becoming victims of fraud.
Officials are asking community members to share the warning with friends and family so more people are aware of the scam and can avoid being targeted.
