Scam Phone Calls and Emails - MN Department of Public Safety

in News
18. 07. 25

Minnesotans lose millions to fraudulent lottery and sweepstakes scams each year.

There are many variations of scams. In most cases a potential victim is asked to send money to claim a prize or be entered into a drawing. Official lotteries or sweepstakes do not require you to pay money to receive winnings.

Scams are not limited to the use of your computer; criminals also will use your phone and mailbox to gain your trust and take your money.
 
Help protect yourself and others by reporting suspected scams. Early reporting by the public can allow authorities the opportunity to recover lost funds.

If you or someone you know has incurred a financial loss due to a scam or fraud, please contact your local law enforcement agency. 

If you would like to report a scam, but have not suffered a financial loss, please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov, or visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.Ic3.gov.

If you have questions or would like more information about scams, fraud or other suspicious correspondence, please contact:

  • Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota at 800-646-6222 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • AARP at 1-888-our-AARP or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • Minnesota Board on Aging-800-333-2433 or www.minnesotahelp.info.

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/age/fraud/Pages/default.aspx

New Direct Phone Numbers

The new Corrections (Jail) Phone Number is 218-416-7097. Please call this number for any inmate related questions.

Inmate voice mail line is 218-416-1120.

Sentence to Serve (STS) / Wade Cota - 218-683-7001

Jail Administrator / Dave Casanova -  218-416-7095 * Assistant Jail Administrator / Jo Williams - 218-416-7098 * Jail Programmer / Travis Black - 218-416-7082