MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new scam targeting families of inmates who have recently been taken into custody.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling family members shortly after an individual is booked into the Reno County Jail. The caller falsely claims to be an employee of the Sheriff’s Office or jail staff and tells the family that bond payment is required immediately.
Officials say the scammers are asking victims to send money using Apple Pay, gift cards, Bitcoin, or other forms of cryptocurrency.
The Reno County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that deputies and jail staff will never call individuals to request bond payments or any other fees over the phone, and they will never ask for payment via gift cards, mobile payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call related to an inmate is urged not to send money and to report the incident to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. Residents are also encouraged to warn family members and friends about the scam to help prevent further victimization.