(KIWA) — The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a telephone scam targeting families of people who have recently been arrested.
Sheriff Brian Hilt says scammers monitor online arrest records, then search for contact information for potential relatives. They call family members and demand immediate payment, claiming the money is needed for the arrested person’s bail bond.
Hilt says legitimate bail bond companies do not solicit payments through calls of this kind.
The sheriff’s office urges residents to hang up on suspicious callers and never provide payment information over the phone.
Authorities advise anyone trying to verify a caller’s claim to get the caller’s name, phone number, and company, then end the call and contact the local jail directly. Residents should confirm whether their relative is in custody and whether bond money is needed before making any financial arrangements.
