Rankin County sheriff warns of bond scam targeting inmates’ families
Rankin County Sheriff’s Department officials said they are investigating an ongoing “bond scam” that has victimized people both in-state and out-of-state by targeting family members of inmates.
Authorities said suspects have posed as “bond agents” or representatives of bonding companies and promised to secure inmates’ release or transfer them to rehabilitation facilities in exchange for money. The department cautioned that unsolicited calls requesting payment related to a loved one’s bond are scams.
The sheriff’s department urged anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately and contact the law enforcement agency or detention facility holding the inmate to verify the situation, the agency said. Officials also warned residents not to provide financial account information or personal identity details to anyone over the phone.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or believes they have been scammed should notify their local law enforcement agency or the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department at 601-825-1480, the department said. Authorities often warn that fraud schemes can target families of incarcerated people. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
