Kenosha County, WI – Deputies are warning residents about a new phone scam in which callers impersonate Kenosha County correctional officers and demand money to release a family member from custody. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office issued the alert Friday, urging the public to remain cautious and avoid sending any payments.
According to the sheriff’s office, a resident recently reported receiving a call from someone claiming that a jailed relative could be released early due to “overcrowding” in exchange for $1,500. Officials stressed that this scenario is entirely fraudulent.
Correctional staff will never call residents asking for money, gift cards or any form of payment to release an inmate, the sheriff’s office said. Early release decisions are not handled through phone calls and never involve private transactions with the public.
Deputies also cautioned that scammers often use spoofing technology, making incoming calls appear as though they are coming directly from the sheriff’s office. Authorities urged residents not to trust caller ID alone.
If residents receive a suspicious call like this, officials recommend:
- Hanging up immediately
- Not sending money or personal information
- Reporting the call to law enforcement
- Verifying an individual’s custody status through official channels
Deputies encourage residents to share the alert with family members, neighbors, and anyone vulnerable to scams. Preventing victimization, they said, helps protect the entire community.
Anyone who believes they were targeted or has questions is asked to contact the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line.
