Families across Alameda County are getting rattling phone calls from scammers who claim a jailed relative can walk out early — but only if the family coughs up roughly $900 to “activate” an ankle monitor because of supposed jail overcrowding. The callers crank up the pressure, warning that a warrant or hold will be placed if the money does not arrive promptly. The surprise shakedowns are leaving people confused, scared, and out hundreds of dollars if they fall for it.
Sheriff Tells Residents: Hang Up, It Is A Scam
According to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, deputies have taken reports of callers demanding about $900 for an ankle monitor setup and promising it will secure early release. The office spells it out clearly in its alert, calling the scheme “this is a scam.” The post urges families not to send money, not to share bank or card details, and to report any suspicious calls to local authorities instead.
SCAM ALERT: Ankle Monitor Fraud Targeting Families
— Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) December 10, 2025
ACSO has received calls from families regarding payment requests for $900 for an ankle monitor so their loved one can be released early due to jail overcrowding. THIS IS A SCAM! https://t.co/N8iiyRCg1U pic.twitter.com/348lg6kBmx
Same Racket Popping Up All Over The Country
Law enforcement agencies across the United States have flagged nearly identical cons in which callers pose as court or jail staff and demand payment through peer‑to‑peer apps or gift cards. As reported by the San Antonio Express-News, scammers there told relatives to pay for GPS monitoring, while Tennessee's WVLT reported victims being instructed to send money via Apple Pay, PayPal or gift cards.
How To Spot The Con Before It Drains Your Wallet
The callers typically create a frantic sense of urgency and ask for payments that are hard to trace. Local prosecutors and sheriffs say any request for setup or activation fees to be paid through Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, gift cards or similar platforms should be treated as a major red flag. The Berks County District Attorney's office has published a primer on these kinds of telephone scams and urges residents to slow down, verify claims on their own and never give out personal or financial information over the phone.
What To Do If The Scammers Call You
If you receive one of these calls, hang up and check an inmate's status using official jail lookups or by calling the sheriff's office number you find independently. Do not call back any number the caller gives you and do not send payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency. Report the contact to the FTC and notify local law enforcement. The Superior Court of Alameda County reminds residents it will never demand payment by phone. If you have already sent money, contact your bank or payment service immediately to report fraud and see if any reversal options are available.
