ANGOLA, Ind. (WLKI)- The Steuben County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a phone scam targeting families of people who have recently been arrested.
According to the sheriff's office, scammers are contacting family members and claiming they can help get an incarcerated person released on bond in exchange for money. The callers may tell victims that their family member is required to participate in a late-night video court hearing or that the person must be placed on a tether before being released.
Officials are warning residents that these claims are false.
Steuben County does not conduct video court proceedings in the middle of the night, and residents should not be required to send money to an unknown caller in order to secure a family member's release on bond.
The scammers may attempt to make the situation sound urgent, putting pressure on family members to provide payment or personal information before they have time to verify the claims. Residents are encouraged not to send money, provide financial information or share personal details with anyone making such demands over the phone.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should independently verify the status of their family member by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency or court directly through an official phone number.
The sheriff's office is reminding residents that legitimate legal and court matters can be verified through official county and court channels. People should be particularly cautious when a caller demands immediate payment or claims that a person will remain in custody unless money is sent.
Officials encourage anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scam to report the incident to law enforcement.