Scammers pose as Sheriff’s Office employees over phone. Here’s how to spot them
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to be aware of a phone scam circulating among the relatives of Pierce County Jail inmates.
Fraudsters are using public booking records to identify recently booked inmates, according to a Thursday PCSO blotter post. The scammers then contact family members with promises of their incarcerated relative’s early release, home monitoring or transfers to special jail programs on one condition: They pay the person on the phone immediately.
The Sheriff’s Office said it will never ask for money over the phone and does not accept release, home monitoring or special program payments via phone, gift cards, wire transfers or electronic payment apps.
If you receive a call like this, the Sheriff’s Office advises that you do not send money, do not share any financial information and immediately hang up.
If you’ve received a message, report the call to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office with a verified phone number or contact your local law enforcement agency.
