The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is warning community members about a scam involving requests for money for incarcerated family members.
According to an announcement shared by the Sheriff’s Office, individuals are being contacted and told that a family member who has been arrested needs money for an ankle monitor or other jail-related expenses.
Officials say the scammers might use real names and information about an actual arrest in an attempt to make the request appear legitimate. Victims could then be instructed to send money using Venmo, CashApp or other electronic payment services.
The Sheriff’s Office advises those who receive an unexpected request involving an incarcerated family member to NOT send money or provide personal or financial information. Officials say residents should not assume a request is legitimate simply because the person contacting them knows accurate details about an arrest.
Residents are encouraged to verify the information by contacting the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office directly and speaking with another family member or trusted person before sending money.
Scams and attempted fraud can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission through its ReportFraud website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
