Chehalis, WA – Residents in Lewis County received a new scam warning today after sheriff’s officials reported fraudulent calls claiming individuals must pay bail for a loved one using gift cards or QR codes.
According to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the jail will never contact anyone directly to request bail payments by phone, text message, or digital transfer. Deputies say scammers have recently begun posing as jail staff, instructing victims to purchase gift cards or click a QR code to “help release” a family member.
Authorities emphasize that these calls are entirely fraudulent.
Residents can verify legitimate inmate information by visiting the official jail roster at jail.lewiscountywa.gov/ roster.html or by calling the Lewis County Jail directly at 360-748-9241. Officials stress that these are the only legitimate methods for confirming bail amounts or custody status.
The sheriff’s office also urges anyone who believes they may have been targeted or defrauded to contact their local law enforcement agency. In Lewis County, the non-emergency dispatch line is 360-740-1105.
Scam attempts involving impersonation of law enforcement have increased nationwide in recent years, often targeting seniors or individuals unfamiliar with jail processes. Lewis County authorities encourage residents to share this information with family and friends to reduce the risk of additional victims.
Readers who have received one of these calls—or who have insight into related activity in the Chehalis, Centralia, or greater Lewis County area—are encouraged to comment and share their experience.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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