Police warn of scam involving jail inmates

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – Local law enforcement is warning the public about a scam involving jails. 

The scammers typically claim a loved one is in jail and there is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed financially. 

Calls can appear to come from real sheriff’s offices as it is easy to spoof phone phones. 

The scammers will ask for the issue to be resolved over the phone. Sometimes they may ask to use bitcoin QR codes. 

One Greensburg woman received a call a few weeks ago at 2 a.m. that claimed her friend was in jail. She said it sounded extremely believable. 

“We want to remind our citizens that we will never call someone regarding a warrant, we will not request money over the phone, and we will never request payment via barcodes, QR codes, or gift cards,” the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office said. 

Police added, “You should never release your personal information over the phone, or transfer funds to unverified individuals.”

If you have been the victim of a similar crime, please contact our non-emergency number at (812) 663-8125.