Moorhead Jail Scam: Family Sends $2,500 After Call
MOORHEAD, Minn. (northwestmnnow.com) — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam targeting families of jail inmates.
Scammers are pretending to be sheriff’s deputies and demanding money to secure the release of people being held in jail.
In one recent case, a family member sent $2,500 through Zelle after receiving a fraudulent call.
Authorities say the callers are not connected to the Sheriff’s Office and have no power to release inmates.
Scammers Target Families of Jail Inmates
The scam targets relatives and friends of people held at the Clay County Correctional Facility in Moorhead.
Callers claim they represent the Sheriff’s Office and say an inmate can be released if money is sent immediately.
Officials warn that scammers may sound convincing and could know details about the person in custody.
That information can make the calls appear legitimate, increasing the chances that someone will send money.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging families to verify all claims before taking any action.
Sheriff’s Office Will Never Demand Release Payments
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says it will never call someone demanding payment to release a person from jail.
The department also will not request inmate release payments through Zelle, Venmo, gift cards, or wire transfers.
Cryptocurrency and other payment apps are also not legitimate methods for arranging release through an unsolicited phone call.
Officials stress that release decisions are handled through the legal system and court process.
A phone call, text message, or unexpected payment request cannot replace that process.
What Residents Should Do if They Receive a Scam Call
Authorities are urging residents to take several precautions when receiving suspicious calls about jail releases.
- Never share personal information, banking details, or financial account numbers.
- Do not send money to someone demanding payment over the phone.
- Hang up immediately if a caller demands payment for an inmate’s release.
- Contact the Sheriff’s Office directly using its official phone number.
- Report suspicious calls to local law enforcement.
Residents can contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office directly at 218-299-5151.
Officials recommend looking up the department’s number independently instead of trusting information provided by a caller.
What to Do if You Already Sent Money
Anyone who sent money to a suspected scammer should contact their bank or payment provider immediately.
Victims should explain what happened and ask whether the transaction can be reversed.
The Federal Trade Commission provides additional guidance for recovering money after fraud.
Residents can also file a fraud report through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Police Urge Residents to Share Warning
The Moorhead Police Department shared the warning on behalf of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials want families and friends of inmates to know how these scams operate.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to share the warning, especially with anyone who knows someone currently in custody.
Additional information about the jail is available through the Clay County Correctional Facility website.
Authorities emphasize that unexpected payment demands should always be treated with caution and verified independently.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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