Ogden, Utah – A phone scam targeting families of jail inmates is prompting a public warning from the Weber County Sheriff’s Office after multiple recent reports.
According to the Weber County Sheriff’s Office, scammers have been contacting family members of individuals currently in custody and falsely claiming their loved one is eligible for early release through so-called “Ankle Monitor Programs.” The callers allegedly demand large payments to secure the release, often requesting the money in Bitcoin or other non-traceable forms.
The sheriff’s office said it does not request payments over the phone and does not contact inmates’ families to arrange bail, early release, or alternative custody programs. Officials emphasized that any request for immediate payment tied to an inmate’s release is fraudulent.
Authorities are urging anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately and not provide personal or financial information. Victims or targets of the scam are encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement so investigators can track patterns and issue broader alerts.
The warning comes as law enforcement agencies nationwide report an increase in impersonation scams that exploit families during stressful situations. Scammers often rely on urgency and fear, claiming limited-time release opportunities to pressure victims into quick payment decisions.
Weber County officials reiterated that legitimate release options, court proceedings, and monitoring programs are handled through official channels and documented court orders—not unsolicited phone calls.
The alert is especially relevant for younger adults and working families who may be managing bail or custody matters while balancing work and school schedules, making them more vulnerable to high-pressure fraud attempts.
Residents with questions about an inmate’s status are advised to contact the Weber County Sheriff’s Office directly using verified phone numbers or visit official county websites for accurate information.
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