Report Obscene or Misleading Ads - Saint Paul Bylaws

Signs and Advertising Minnesota 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, online advertisements that are obscene, deceptive, or violate local sign and advertising rules can be reported to city authorities and to the hosting platform. This guide explains what to collect, how to file a complaint with city offices and state agencies, and the typical enforcement path so residents and businesses can act quickly and lawfully.

Keep dated screenshots and URLs before anything is removed.

When to report

Report ads that are clearly obscene, sexually explicit where prohibited by local rules, deceptive or fraudulent, or that impersonate a business. If the ad threatens safety, harassment, or imminent illegal activity, contact local police immediately. For consumer fraud or scams, the Minnesota Attorney General accepts complaints.

How to prepare your report

  • Take full-page screenshots showing date, time, and the advertiser name or account.
  • Save the ad URL, any redirect links, and capture the platform username or business name.
  • Note when you first saw the ad and how long it was displayed.
  • Record any communication with the seller or platform, including messages and screenshots.
If possible, use the platform's own "report" function first—it creates a record with the host.

Penalties & Enforcement

Saint Paul enforces sign, advertising, and nuisance provisions through city code and permitting systems; criminal statutes at the state level may apply for obscenity or fraud. Specific fines and escalation amounts are not consolidated on the cited city pages and are listed below as "not specified on the cited page" where applicable; see the Help and Support / Resources section for official contacts and code references current as of February 2026.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: city orders to remove or abate content, nuisance abatement, administrative notices or court action as applicable.
  • Enforcer: City Code/Compliance or Licensing divisions and, for criminal matters, Saint Paul Police or Ramsey County prosecutors.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: file an online complaint with city code enforcement or contact Licensing/Consumer Affairs; emergency threats go to 911 or the police non-emergency line.
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: specific appeal periods and procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances, or lawful expression defenses may apply; where state obscenity statutes apply, legal standards can differ.

Applications & Forms

City-specific complaint forms and licensing applications may exist for signs, business licensing, or nuisance complaints; a clearly titled form number or single consolidated online form is not specified on the cited pages. Use the Help and Support / Resources links to find the current online complaint or licensing submission portal.

Action steps

  • Document the ad (screenshots, URL, account name, timestamps).
  • Report to the hosting platform using their reporting tools and keep a record of the report ID if provided.
  • File a complaint with Saint Paul city code enforcement or licensing via the official city complaint portal.
  • If the ad is criminal (threats, child exploitation, imminent harm), contact police or submit a tip to law enforcement.
  • For consumer fraud or scams, file with the Minnesota Attorney General's consumer protection division.
Do not alter original evidence; preserve screenshots and metadata for enforcement or legal steps.

FAQ

Can the City remove an online ad posted by a private website?
The city can request removal or take enforcement for local-code violations, but platform takedown depends on the site's policies and may require law enforcement or court orders.
Will my report to the city remain confidential?
Confidentiality depends on the type of complaint and city disclosure rules; the city may need to share details for enforcement or legal processes.
How long before an unlawful ad is removed?
Timelines vary by platform and enforcement queue; urgent threats go to police and are prioritized, while civil code matters follow city intake and investigation timelines.

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: capture full-page screenshots with timestamps and save the URL and advertiser account name.
  2. Use the platform's report tool and note any report confirmation number.
  3. Submit a complaint to the City of Saint Paul code enforcement or licensing portal with your evidence attached.
  4. If criminal activity is involved, contact Saint Paul Police or submit a tip to law enforcement immediately.
  5. For scams or fraud, file a consumer complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General's office.
  6. Follow up: track your complaint ID, respond to city requests for more information, and, if unsatisfied, ask about appeal or administrative review procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Document ads fully before they are removed.
  • Report to the hosting platform and to Saint Paul city complaint channels.
  • Use law enforcement for threats or criminal conduct; use the Attorney General for consumer fraud.

Help and Support / Resources

Categories

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