Hopkins County, Ky. – The Hopkins County Jail is sounding the alarm about a fraud scheme that targets family members of inmates. According to jail officials, scammers are reaching out by phone or text, claiming they can secure an inmate’s release if the family pays a specified amount of money.

How the scam works

Scammers use fear, urgency and concern for loved ones to pressure recipients into sending cash. They often claim that a bond must be paid immediately, that a court order is pending, or that a special “release fee” is required. The false messages may appear to come from a jail phone number or use a spoofed caller ID that mimics official Hopkins County communications.

Official response

Hopkins County Jail officials stress that they never contact family members directly to request money. All bonds are set by the court system, and any payment must be made in cash and in person at the jail facility. The jail will never ask for payment through electronic transfers, gift cards, prepaid cards or any other remote method.

“If you receive a call or message asking for money to release an inmate, hang up and call us at 270‑825‑5000 to verify,” said a spokesperson for the jail. “We want to protect families from fraud and ensure that all bond payments follow the proper legal process.”

What families should do

• Do not send cash, checks, gift cards, or personal financial information to anyone claiming to be a jail representative.
• Verify any bond‑related request by calling the Hopkins County Jail directly at the number above.
• Report suspicious calls or messages to the jail so investigators can track and shut down the scammers.

The jail also advises residents to be wary of any communication that creates a false sense of urgency or threatens legal consequences if payment is not made immediately. Legitimate bond procedures involve a clear, written notice from the court and a face‑to‑face transaction at the jail’s bond office.

Community impact

Scams of this nature exploit the emotional stress families feel when a loved one is incarcerated. By educating the public and providing a clear verification process, Hopkins County officials hope to reduce the financial and emotional toll these fraud attempts can cause. The jail’s proactive outreach is part of a broader effort to keep the community safe from criminal schemes that target vulnerable citizens.

For more information or to report a suspected scam, call the Hopkins County Jail at 270‑825‑5000 during regular business hours.

Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.