Howard County Sheriff Warns of Scam Targeting Families of Jail Inmates

The Howard County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public about a scam targeting families of inmates at the Howard County Detention Facility.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, scammers are calling family members and falsely claiming that their loved one is in jail and eligible for release with an ankle monitor. The caller then asks for money to cover supposed monitoring fees.

Officials stress that this is a scam. The detention facility does not request payment for ankle monitors through phone calls, and no money should ever be sent based on unsolicited requests.

Authorities are urging residents not to provide personal or financial information to callers and to verify any claims by contacting the detention facility directly or speaking with family members.

Anyone who receives a call like this is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement.

Again, officials say if something sounds suspicious, trust your instincts and do not send money.