Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office warns about jail fee scam

Calls have been going to those recently released from detention, asking them to pay a fee.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
August 7, 2024 at 2:59PM
The Hennepin County jail, downtown Minneapolis (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is reminding anybody who has recently been released from detention that getting out of jail is free.

The reminders come as scammers impersonating law enforcement have been calling people who have been recently set free telling them they owe a fee. One of the calls comes from “Sergeant Strickland,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a series of postings on X.

“The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office NEVER calls to request cash or electronic payment,” the posts say.

Anybody receiving a suspicious call is advised to not give out any personal or financial information over the phone, hang up, and contact the law enforcement agency the caller mentioned directly.

about the writer

Tim Harlow

Reporter

Tim Harlow covers traffic and transportation issues in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and likes to get out of the office, even during rush hour. He also covers the suburbs in northern Hennepin and all of Anoka counties, plus breaking news and weather. 

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