Eureka, IL – The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam targeting families of inmates. Officials say callers are posing as deputies or jail staff and claiming that a loved one can be released soon—if the family first pays for an ankle monitor using Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, this is a scam. Law enforcement never demands payment over the phone or requests funds through mobile payment apps. “Ankle monitors aren’t paid for by families this way,” officials said in a Thursday post.
Residents who receive these calls are urged to hang up immediately and avoid sending any money. To verify information about an inmate, the sheriff advises calling the jail directly using a publicly listed number—not one provided by the caller. In Woodford County, scams can be reported at 309-467-2375.
Deputies say scammers often find inmate names through public records, then use social media to locate relatives. Once contact is made, they pressure victims into quick electronic payments, claiming it’s the only way to secure release.
“No one from Woodford County will call you asking for bond,” the post emphasized.
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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