Lincoln County scammers targeting jail inmates: Sheriff

LINCOLNTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says they have taken several incident reports over the past few days, reporting citizens have been contacted by individuals claiming to offer services to get their friend or family member out of jail.

In one incident, a citizen was contacted by an unknown individual, requesting that the family member provide money for an ankle monitor so that the arrestee could be released. 

Another incident involved a citizen being contacted by an unknown individual, who requested that cash be transferred electronically through Cash App to allow for the release of the arrestee. The victim was then advised that this money would be returned to the friend or family member following the individual’s first appearance in court. 

It is important that the citizens of Lincoln County understand that they will never be contacted by a probation officer or law enforcement requesting money whether that be through cash, gift cards, or electronic payments to allow for the release of an arrestee from the Lincoln County Jail. If you are unsure if the person reaching out to you concerning an arrestee is legitimate, call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office