Police warn of scam involving jail inmates

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – Local law enforcement continues to warn the public about a scam involving jails inmates.

The scammers typically pretend to be loved one who 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 phones numbers.

The scammers will ask for the issue to be resolved over the phone, or sometimes in-person.

They may ask for cash, bitcoin, QR codes or other forms of payment.

One Greensburg woman received a call a few weeks ago at 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. 

This issue has been reported in multiple counties across Southeast Indiana. You are encouraged to warn elderly loved ones that may not be familiar.

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.