Scam Alert: Fake Warrant Shows Up in Southeast Minnesota Mailbox

Rice County, MN (KROC-AM News)- Authorities in Rice County are alerting residents about a scam centered around a fake court document.

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Sheriff Jesse Thomas says the scam is similar to one that was so prevalent that it prompted a warning from the federal court system nearly 10 years ago.

Thomas says a Rice County resident reported receiving an apparent arrest warrant in their mail. The warrant, which did not list a specific United States District Court court, demanded the person make a payment through Bitcoin or Apple Pay and deliver the payment receipt to an “authorized department to avoid arrest.”

This image shows a fake warrant, which has
been redacted, received by a local resident
indicating they needed to send money to
avoid arrest. Rice County Sheriff's Office

The phony document did not list crimes the recipient was charged with. The citizen brought the document to the Rice County Sheriff’s Office and authorities confirmed the person’s suspicion of the document being fraudulent.

Rice County Law Enforcement Center Faribault, Mn.-photo by Gordy Kosfeld

The recent scam in Rice County mirrors a scam in 2014 in which Americans were email or faxed phony arrest warrants that would often say, “a federal law enforcement officer or an attorney for the government wants to arrest you. Charges may be for money laundering or bank fraud, or missed jury duty. To avoid arrest, the warrant says, send money.”

Thomas says arrest warrants are served in person by local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshall’s Office. Anyone who receives a fake is asked contact the FBI or the district U.S. Marshals Office.

Court documents can also be authenticated through a district clerk of court.

Thomas says anyone who demands money while posing as an employee of the United States government could face fines and a prison sentence of up to three years.