Scammers target families of Dallas County inmates, demanding payment for fake early release

How it works

You receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent the jail or a legal service. They tell you a family member can be released early if you pay a processing fee or bail modification cost right away. You wire or send the money. The person hangs up and you never hear from them again.

Red flags to watch for

• Caller demands immediate payment for jail release
• They ask you to wire money or use gift cards
• You are told not to contact the jail directly
• The caller has partial info about your relative but refuses to verify through official channels
• They claim early release is possible only if you pay today

What to do

Do not send money to anyone who calls about a relative's release. Hang up immediately and call the Dallas County Jail directly using the number on its official website to verify any claims. The jail will never ask for payment over the phone to release someone early. Report the call to the sheriff's office and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.