The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has issued a stark warning to the public about a persistent scam targeting the relatives of inmates at the Burke County Jail. According to their recent press release, scammers have been contacting families, masquerading as law enforcement or jail staff, and demanding payment for various non-existent charges such as bail money, fines, fees, or costs associated with ankle monitoring programs.
While addressing this fraudulent activity, the Sheriff's Office clarified, "Jail staff will never call you to request or collect bail money." They also said they don’t collect fines or fees from inmates at release and confirmed they have no ankle-monitoring program. Residents receiving these scam calls were at risk of being misled, so they were urged to stay alert.
The Sheriff's Office has proactively provided measures to help potential victims handle such situations. For those involved with bail bondsmen, it's recommended to reach out to one's bail agent using a publicly listed phone number, a list of which can be found in the jail lobby. "If you receive a suspicious call of this nature, do not provide any personal or financial information. Hang up immediately and contact the Burke County Jail at (828) 764-9578 to report the incident," the press release emphasizes. Jail staff are equipped to confirm an inmate’s custody status and the legitimacy of any claims regarding ankle-monitoring processes.
In an effort to combat the scam, the Sheriff’s Office also urges the public to report any instances of these calls by providing details such as the caller's phone number, the name used by the scammer, and the information they requested. Residents should understand that scammers thrive on creating urgency, as talks unfold, to pressure victims into hasty decisions. "Remain calm, take your time, and do not allow anyone to rush you into making a decision," the Sheriff's Office advises, aiming to thwart the scammer's tactics of leveraging panic.
