Dayton, Ohio – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam in which criminals pretend to be law enforcement officials and demand money for the supposed release of a friend or family member from custody.
Authorities said the fraudulent bond payment scheme is designed to take advantage of people who may be worried about someone close to them. Scammers attempt to make their story believable while creating pressure for victims to send money before they have time to verify what they have been told.
In the latest version of the scheme, a resident may receive a phone call or text message from someone claiming to represent the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The person then claims that the victim’s friend or relative has been arrested and has been granted bond.
Scammers may even provide real names to make the situation appear legitimate. In some cases, according to the Sheriff’s Office, they have targeted people connected to individuals who are actually in custody. Using accurate information about someone who has been arrested can make the false request seem more convincing.
Scammers demand money through several payment methods
After claiming that a loved one needs money for bond, scammers instruct the victim to make a payment to help secure that person’s release.
The requested payment methods can vary. Victims may be told to make a cash deposit at a retail business by using a barcode. Criminals may also demand payments through services such as PayPal, Venmo, Cash App or Zelle.
Other versions of the scheme can involve requests for gift cards or different forms of electronic payments.
Once victims send the requested money, scammers can often gain access to it immediately. That can make recovering the funds extremely difficult or, in some cases, impossible.
The Sheriff’s Office said these calls and messages are often designed to create urgency. By making someone believe a family member or friend needs immediate help, the scammers hope the victim will act before checking whether the story is true.
Officials emphasized that the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office does not contact people through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, or digital payment services to demand bond payments. Residents will also never be directed by the Sheriff’s Office to pay bond through gift cards, retail payment services, money transfer services, or peer-to-peer payment applications.
“Scammers are constantly finding new ways to prey on people’s trust and fear during difficult times,” said Sheriff Streck. “We want every resident to know that our office will never contact you asking for bond money. If you’re ever in doubt, contact officials directly.”
Residents are being encouraged to remain cautious whenever they receive an unexpected message or call involving an arrest or request for bond money.
Before taking any action, people should verify the information using official channels rather than relying on a phone number, payment link or instructions provided by the person making the request.
Authorities also advise residents not to send money or provide personal information until they have independently confirmed the situation.
Anyone who believes they have encountered this type of scam should report it immediately to their local law enforcement agency. The Sheriff’s Office said taking time to verify an unexpected request can prevent scammers from using fear and urgency to convince residents to send money under false pretenses.
