Another Round of Phone Scams in North Dakota: Sheriff’s Department Urges Caution

Scam calls are once again making the rounds in Williams County, and local authorities are urging residents to stay alert. While these types of scams aren’t new to North Dakota, they continue to deceive people in our area—some for the first time, others more than once.

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The Williams County Sheriff’s Department reports that they are receiving increasing complaints about callers falsely claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office. These scammers can sound convincing, using official-sounding names and threats to pressure their victims into handing over personal information or money.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Scammers pretend to be from a legitimate organization, like the Sheriff’s Office.

• They often claim there is a problem—like a warrant, missed jury duty, or unpaid fine—or they say you’ve won a prize.

• They use high-pressure tactics, urging you to act immediately before you have time to think or verify.

• They instruct you to pay in specific ways—often with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.

It’s important to remember: No legitimate law enforcement agency will call and demand money or sensitive information over the phone.

If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal or financial details. Hang up immediately. Then, to verify if a call was legitimate, contact the Williams County non-emergency line at 701-577-7700 or the dispatch center at 701-713-3355 to speak with a deputy directly.

Read More: North Dakota Law Enforcement Warn of “Brushing” Scam: Protect Your Information

Here's where we can come together and try to snuff all these pests out once and for all. Let’s stay vigilant, share this warning with neighbors and friends, and keep our community informed—because awareness is the first line of defense.