Two people lost nearly $3,000 in jail-related scams over the past week, Lincoln police said Friday. The department warned about similar calls in August, but says scammers are continuing to target people who have been incarcerated and their relatives.
In one case, a man recently released from jail was told he had active warrants and needed to send money or return to jail. In the other, a grandmother was told she had to pay to set up house arrest for her grandson, who had recently been arrested. Police said both victims were instructed to use digital payment apps.
Lancaster County Corrections will never request credit card, debit card or payment app payments by phone, email or text, LPD spokesperson Erika Thomas said. Legitimate payments are handled on-site or through the Access Corrections website. Anyone who receives a suspicious request can call the jail directly at 402-441-1900; victims can report fraud to Lincoln police at 402-441-6000.