Scammers Now Prey on Families of Inmates, Police Warn

Families Targeted by Sophisticated "In-Custody" Bail Scam, Authorities Warn

A disturbing new scam is preying on the fears of families with loved ones in police custody, according to urgent warnings from law enforcement agencies. The scheme involves fraudsters posing as officials to demand immediate payment for fabricated release fees.

How the Scam Operates

The con begins with a phone call to a family member, often a parent or spouse. The caller, claiming to be a sheriff, bail bondsman, or jail employee, states that a relative has been arrested and is being held. They provide convincing, real-looking details, sometimes gleaned from social media or prior arrests, to build credibility.

The fraudster then insists that for the person to be released, a payment must be made immediately—typically via wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or cryptocurrency. They create a false sense of urgency, claiming the payment is for "processing fees," "electronic monitoring bracelets," or "instant release bonds," and threaten that delays could result in longer jail time.

Red Flags and Protective Steps

Authorities stress that legitimate law enforcement or court officials will never demand immediate, untraceable payment over the phone for a release. They advise the public to:

Hang up immediately if asked for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.

Do not provide any personal or financial information to the caller.

Contact the detention facility directly using a verified phone number (found on an official government website, not one provided by the caller) to confirm the status of a relative.

Report the scam attempt to your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

"These criminals exploit emotional vulnerability during a stressful time," a police spokesperson told BNN. "The key is to slow down, verify information independently, and know that no real official will pressure you into irreversible payment methods."