Huron County, Ohio — The Huron County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an active phone scam targeting families of incarcerated individuals, after a recent incident occurred involving a fraudulent demand for payment related to an inmate’s release.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a woman waiting inside the jail lobby for her son to be released received a phone call from a man claiming to be an employee of the Huron County Sheriff’s Office. The caller told her she needed to pay $800 immediately for her son to be released with an ankle monitor.
While the woman was still on the phone, her son was released from jail — confirming the call was entirely fraudulent. Authorities emphasized that this was a scam, and no payment was ever required.
The Sheriff’s Office stressed several critical points for the public to remember:
- Law enforcement will never call to collect money for jail release, ankle monitors, bonds, or court-related fees.
- Any conditions of release are ordered by a judge in court, not over the phone.
- Jail staff and deputies will not request payment or personal information by phone.
Residents are strongly advised not to send money, provide personal details, or share financial information with anyone claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office or jail by phone.
If you receive a similar call and are unsure whether it is legitimate, you are encouraged to hang up immediately and contact the Huron County Jail directly at 419-663-2828 to verify the situation.
Authorities believe scammers exploit emotional stress and urgency when loved ones are incarcerated, making families especially vulnerable to these tactics.
The Huron County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who receives such a call to report it and to warn friends and family who may be at risk. Staying informed and verifying information directly with official sources is the best defense against these scams.
