Northland sheriffs warn of scam demanding payment under arrest threat

The Cass and St. Louis county sheriffs issued warnings Wednesday, Oct. 22, of fraudulent phone calls and text messages from people posing as sheriff's office employees.

In many of these cases, victims receive a scam call demanding payment for an unpaid fine that would lead to an arrest warrant.

The fraudsters use a caller ID spoofing technique to have their number appear to be from the sheriff’s office and even use the name and badge number of a sheriff’s office official. In a recent Cass County case, this led a victim and their co-workers to believe the fraudster and fall victim to the scam, which involved transferring currency through a prepaid debit card.

Authorities say if you receive this type of call or scam, protect yourself by hanging up immediately and never providing personal or financial information over the phone. Instead, independently verify the information by calling the official sheriff's office at a number you find from their official website. 

"Legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone for fines, missed court dates or to clear warrants," the release stated.

Superior National Forest lifts Boundary Waters campfire ban

The Emergency Forest Order, which prohibited campfires and charcoal-fueled cookstoves, will be lifted on June 12, 2026.

Wilton apartment building sustains moderate damage in fire

The Bemidji Fire Department responded to the multi-family structure fire in the nearby city of Wilton on June 10, 2026.

Paul Bunyan Playhouse makes a summer stock theater comeback for 2026

The Paul Bunyan Playhouse is bringing back professional theater to the Historic Chief Theater for the first full season since 2023.

Nature-based early learning center opens in Coleraine

Children at the nature-based Roots and Wings Early Learning Center near LaPrairie typically spend five to six hours outside each day on the 25-acre campus.

Tribal elections result in 6 incumbents losing to challengers

Members of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe bands cast ballots for secretary-treasurers and tribal council representatives on June 9, 2026.

6 new leaders elected to MCT tribal councils; MPCA takes comment on plan for former Hibbing gas plant

Plus: the Brainerd City Council is considering a plan to redevelop the City Hall parking lot into a four-story apartment complex.

MPCA taking comments on plan for former Hibbing gas plant

The Hibbing Gas Manufacturing Plant was torn down in 1980, but the industrial processes of the past left contamination in the soil, groundwater and nearby surface water.

Scattered severe storms expected Wednesday, area of concern shifted east

The Level 3 of 5, or enhanced risk of severe weather, has shifted east to Wisconsin, but much of Northern Minnesota is still at a Level 2 for Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Shooting death reported in Fosston; Man drowns in Aitkin County lake

Plus: the Brainerd School Board votes to put a levy referendum on the ballot; and the DNR's new electronic licensing system launches.

31-year-old man dies after being shot Monday in Fosston apartment

The Cass County, North Dakota, Coroner's Office reported that TeeJay Alvarez, 31, of Fosston, died June 9, 2026, as a result of injuries from a gunshot wound.

Common tactics

• Caller ID spoofing: The phone number may appear to be from the local sheriff's office or a specific deputy's name, but this is fake. 
• Sense of urgency: Scammers create panic by claiming there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, and you must pay a fine immediately to avoid jail time. 
• Demands for payment: They will demand payment through specific, untraceable methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. 
• Threats: They may threaten to come to your home if you do not pay immediately. 

What to do

• Hang up immediately: Do not provide any information, and do not stay on the line to argue or question the caller. 
• Do not call back the number from the call: Scammers may be spoofing thenumberand you will not reach a legitimate agency. 
• Call the official sheriff's office directly: Look up the phone number for your local sheriff's office on their official website, or a trusted directory, and call them to verify the claim. 
• Do not share personal or financial information: This includes your Social Security number, bank account information or payment details. 
• Report the scam: You can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and visit identitytheft.gov if you have already shared personal information.