Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown is warning residents about a scam targeting families and friends of people being held in jail, with callers falsely claiming they can arrange an inmate’s release in exchange for money.
According to the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting residents while pretending to be employees or representatives of the local court system.
The callers claim that a family member or friend can be released from jail if a fee is paid for an ankle monitor or electronic monitoring device. Victims are then instructed to send money through gift cards, Cash App, Apple Cash or other electronic payment methods.
Sheriff Brown says residents should be extremely cautious when receiving unexpected calls requesting money for someone in jail.
Scammers Claim They Can Get Loved Ones Released From Jail
The Sheriff’s Office says the fraudulent callers attempt to convince residents that payment is necessary before an incarcerated person can be released.
In some cases, scammers instruct victims to purchase gift cards from Walgreens or another retailer. Others request electronic payments through Cash App, Apple Cash or similar services.
The callers may claim they are associated with the court system or another law enforcement agency to convince victims that the payment request is legitimate.
Sheriff Chris Brown Issues Warning
Sheriff Brown says the public needs to understand that the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office and local courts do not collect inmate-release payments through gift cards or peer-to-peer payment apps.
“And we just want everybody to know the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office and most other sheriff’s offices and district courts don’t take payment through Apple Pay or Cash App or any type of gift card,” Brown said in a recorded public warning.
He encouraged residents to stop communicating with suspicious callers and verify any questionable information directly with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court. Brown says anyone who believes a call may be fraudulent should hang up, find a verified telephone number and contact the agency directly, or visit the office in person to confirm whether a request is legitimate.
Warning Signs of a Scam
The Sheriff’s Office advises residents to watch for callers who:
- Claim to represent the court system, jail or Sheriff’s Office
- Demand immediate payment to secure an inmate’s release
- Claim money is required for an ankle monitor or electronic monitoring equipment
- Request payment through gift cards, Cash App, Apple Cash, prepaid cards or cryptocurrency
- Pressure families to act quickly before they can verify the information
- Refuse to provide legitimate documentation or independently verifiable contact information
Brown says residents should never assume a caller is legitimate simply because the person knows the name of a family member or claims to represent law enforcement.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
- Do not send money.
- Do not purchase gift cards.
- Do not share bank account numbers, debit card information or other financial details.
- Hang up immediately.
- Contact the appropriate law enforcement agency or court using a telephone number from an official source.
- Report suspicious calls to local law enforcement.
Residents who have already sent money should immediately contact their bank or payment provider and report the incident to authorities.
Sheriff’s Office Urges Families to Share Warning
Sheriff Brown is encouraging Cleburne County residents to share this warning with relatives, friends and neighbors. The Sheriff’s Office says awareness is one of the best ways to keep more people from losing money.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call, needs help verifying information or believes they have been targeted by this scam is encouraged to contact the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office.
- Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office: 914 South 9th Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543
- Main office: 501-362-8143
- Dispatch: 501-362-8291
- Website: cleburnearso.gov
Source: Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Chris Brown public scam warning and recorded statement.
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