Important Scam Warning Issued By Police Department In Minnesota

Phone scams appear to be a significant issue in many parts of the United States, with a majority of U.S. adults, 68%, reporting getting scam phone calls at least weekly.

Minnesota continues to see the number of reported phone scams increase throughout the state. In 2024, Minnesotans lost $144.6 million due to fraud, with over 22,000 cases reported, based on data from the FTC.

It seems we can go more than a week before there's a new scam warning, and now here comes another one involving a scam that has already stolen money from many Minnesotans. It's important to spread the word because while it may be currently targeting a portion of the state, it could quickly spread.

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White Bear Lake Police Department Issues Scam Warning

The White Bear Lake Police Department had previously issued this warning because residents were getting fooled and losing money. It seems that the word did not spread far enough because on Monday, August 18, they issued another warning.

According to their Facebook post, Minnesota residents continue to get "duped" by scammers claiming to be "law enforcement" and directing people to deposit cash into Bitcoin machines.

The scammers cleverly clone phone numbers to trick people and even provide police officer names and badge numbers in an attempt to prove that they are law enforcement. They will then say you must pay the police department for violating a law.

The law that has been violated can differ with each target, but the point is to create the illusion that you will be arrested if you don't pay the fine, which can make people panic and follow the scammer's instructions, even if they seem strange, like paying what they say you owe through a Bitcoin machine.

Authorities reiterate that if anyone gets this type of call, demanding payment into a Bitcoin machine, do NOT do it; you will lose your money.

People should follow these tips to avoid being scammed:

• Verify the caller: Legitimate law enforcement will never demand Bitcoin payments.
• Stay calm: Scammers use fear tactics to rush you into acting.
• Hang up & the police department: If you receive suspicious calls, call the police department directly to confirm. Please do not call 911.

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The White Bear Lake Police Department also shared the following video to hear from a victim of the scam and more information on Bitcoin scams.