MONTESANO, Wash. — The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a scam targeting people who recently deposited money into an inmate’s account.
They say fraudulent callers claim to be members of the jail staff and demand money for bogus fees.
Jail staff say they are aware of calls associated with the ACCESS inmate payment system.
Scammers have contacted victims shortly after deposits were made, using personal details about incarcerated family members to make the contacts appear legitimate.
In one report, a caller claiming to be part of the jail staff demanded $600 for ankle monitoring and classes for an incarcerated relative. The fraudster instructed the victim to transfer the money using Apple Pay.
The sheriff’s office advises the public not to send money using Apple Pay, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other payment methods in response to an unsolicited call.
Anyone asked by a supposed law enforcement officer to make an immediate payment should stop and verify the request.
Officials recommend ignoring phone numbers provided by callers and contacting law enforcement directly through official phone numbers.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call regarding inmate accounts or alleged fees is urged to hang up and verify the request with the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office.