Fort Wayne, Indiana – The Allen County Sheriff’s Office and local police are urging residents to be on guard against a growing impersonation scam that targets families of people behind bars. Criminals are harvesting publicly posted inmate information from online jail rosters, then calling relatives while pretending to be jail staff, police officers, court officials or bail‑bond agents.

How the scam works

The callers typically know the inmate’s name and basic details, which makes their story sound convincing. They create a sense of urgency, claiming the incarcerated relative must be released immediately or face additional legal trouble. To pressure the victim, scammers demand payment through cash‑transfer apps, gift‑card purchases, or wire‑transfer services, often insisting the transaction remain secret.

Red flags to watch for

Law‑enforcement officials say the most telling warning signs include:

• Requests for payment via gift cards, cash‑app accounts, or wire transfers.
• Pressure to act quickly or keep the payment confidential.
• Calls that come from a number not associated with the official jail or court.

In at least one recent incident, a victim sent more than $1,100 before realizing the request was fraudulent.

What families should do

Anyone receiving such a call should:

• Hang up and independently verify the claim by contacting the jail, sheriff’s office, court or a legitimate bail‑bond provider using a phone number from an official website or printed directory.
• Never send money until the situation is confirmed.
• Preserve any phone numbers, text messages, emails, or payment details and report them to law‑enforcement.

Officials stress that legitimate authorities will never pressure family members to make an emergency payment through gift cards or personal cash‑transfer accounts.

Why the warning matters

Scammers are exploiting the transparency of public records to make their schemes appear authentic. By alerting the community early, the sheriff’s office hopes to prevent further financial loss and protect families from unnecessary stress.

Residents are encouraged to share this information with friends and neighbors, especially those who have loved ones currently incarcerated. Staying vigilant and verifying any demand for money can stop these criminals in their tracks.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.