Lincoln Police Department (LPD) is extending a public‑safety warning about a growing scam that preys on families of people who have been incarcerated. In the past week, LPD reported two separate incidents that together resulted in a loss of almost $3,000.

How the scams operate

Both schemes involved callers claiming to be relatives or officials connected to a recently released inmate. The fraudsters asked the victims to send money through popular digital‑payment applications, insisting that the funds were needed immediately.

In the first case, a loved one was told that a man who had just left jail faced active warrants and would be forced to return to custody unless a payment was made. The caller urged the family member to transfer the money right away to avoid further legal trouble.

The second incident targeted a grandmother. She was told that her grandson, newly arrested, could only be placed in a house‑arrest program if a fee was paid to “set up” the arrangement. Again, the scammer demanded a rapid digital‑payment transfer.

LPD’s response and advice

LPD emphasizes that legitimate law‑enforcement agencies never request money via text, email, or phone call. Any official notice about warrants, bail, or house‑arrest fees will be delivered in writing and will include verifiable contact information.

Residents are urged to:

• Never send money to an unknown individual or through an unverified app.
• Verify any claim by contacting the jail or court directly using publicly listed phone numbers.
• Report suspicious calls or messages to LPD’s non‑emergency line at 402‑555‑1234.

If you suspect you have been targeted, the department recommends filing a report promptly so investigators can track the perpetrators and potentially prevent further losses.

Protecting the community

Scams of this nature exploit the emotional stress families feel when a loved one is navigating the criminal‑justice system. By spreading awareness, LPD hopes to shield vulnerable residents from financial exploitation.

Community members are also encouraged to share this warning with friends and relatives, especially those who have recently had a family member released from custody. The more people who recognize the red flags, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.

Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.