York County, SC – Residents across York County are being warned about a growing scam targeting families of jail inmates, with fraudsters impersonating sheriff’s office officials and demanding money over the phone.
According to the York County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are posing as Lt. Frye and Lt. Ellis and contacting family members of incarcerated individuals. Authorities say the suspects are reportedly searching inmate records online, identifying relatives, and then calling them with claims that a loved one can be bonded out immediately—often for any amount the family can afford.
Investigators say the callers promise to issue an ankle monitor in exchange for payment, a claim the sheriff’s office says is entirely false. The only ankle monitors used by York County are those that have had their cords cut after an individual is arrested and processed through the detention center.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement officers do not call families requesting bond payments or personal financial information. Officials also clarified that Lt. Frye and Lt. Ellis are not making such calls and are not involved in contacting the public for bond-related matters.
Authorities urge residents to hang up immediately if they receive unexpected calls claiming to involve jail emergencies, missed jury duty, or urgent bond situations. Residents are also advised not to return missed calls from unknown numbers and never to send money, gift cards, or electronic payments based on unsolicited law enforcement requests.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to report the incident directly to the York County Sheriff’s Office so investigators can track patterns and warn others.
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