Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office warns of ankle monitor scam targeting families

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an ongoing scam targeting families of people who are incarcerated.

According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are calling family members and falsely claiming money must be paid for an ankle monitor before their loved one can be released from jail.

Authorities say in some cases, callers are demanding large sums of money and using real information pulled from jail records to appear legitimate. The scammers have also used the names of actual sheriff’s office employees in an effort to gain trust.

Officials emphasized that the sheriff’s office does not call individuals to demand payment over the phone for ankle monitors, bonds or release fees. Release conditions are set by a magistrate or judge, not through unsolicited phone calls requesting payment.

The sheriff’s office advises anyone who receives a call like this to:

• Not send money.

• Not provide personal or financial information.

• Hang up immediately.

• Contact the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office directly using its non-emergency number to verify any claims.