The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is warning Fayetteville residents about a new scam where callers impersonate agency employees to exploit families with incarcerated loved ones. In recent days, scammers have pretended to be Captain Kevin East from the Sheriff’s Office, contacting relatives of inmates at the Washington County Detention Center.
The scam involves telling family members they can secure the inmate’s release from jail by placing them on an ankle monitor for a $500 fee. This tactic preys on people hoping for alternatives to incarceration, offering a false sense of hope while pocketing money from victims. In one reported case, scammers promised to get a detainee’s son into a rehabilitation center to help him avoid prison time, further adding to the deception.
The fraudulent callers went so far as to take Captain East’s photo from the Sheriff’s Office’s website and created fake “I.D. Verification Cards” to lend credibility to their claims. This level of detail shows the scammers are targeting the community with disturbing sophistication.
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who receives such calls to be wary and to verify any information directly by contacting the agency through official channels. No legitimate law enforcement employee will ask for money over the phone to secure release or alternative detention options.
Washington County residents should remember that the Detention Center’s processes don’t allow for these types of payments or arrangements made over the phone, especially from unsolicited calls. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by this scam or has provided money should report it immediately to the Sheriff’s Office.
Scams like this highlight the challenges faced by families navigating the justice system here in NWA, especially those already burdened by the stresses of incarceration. Reliable information and caution remain key, especially when communication involves sensitive matters such as bail, electronic monitoring, or rehabilitation placement.
While Fayetteville’s streets bustle with daily trips to courts and meetings with probation officers, this ankle monitor scam adds tension for many families. Scammers often latch on to local trust and urgency, exploiting known figures like Captain East to appear legitimate. The Sheriff’s Office’s quick warning helps cut through that confusion.
People with questions or concerns can contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office directly rather than engaging with suspicious callers. Protecting your family and finances requires knowing when to hang up and check the facts.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette