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ALPENA – The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of another scam currently targeting friends and family members of individuals who are incarcerated.

Scammers are accessing publicly available jail rosters and using online tools to identify and contact family members. In these recent cases, scammers falsely claim there is a COVID-19 outbreak at the jail and state that inmates must be released immediately. Then, they request bond payments, with instructions to pay using gift cards.

In one reported incident, an individual attempted to purchase gift cards at Walmart and Walgreens but was denied by store staff who recognized the warning signs of a scam. We would like to thank these stores and their employees for their diligence and for protecting this individual from significant financial loss.

We understand that family members and friends naturally want to do whatever they can to help a loved one who is incarcerated. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this sense of urgency and concern.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public:

· We will never contact you by phone requesting bond money.

· We will never ask for payment using gift cards.

· The only way to post bond is in person at the Alpena County Jail or via our website www.alpenasheriff.com. Always make sure when using our website that you type the address into your web browser. Do not click on links that are sent to you. Scammers can make links look very real – even when they are not.

If you receive a call or message requesting money under these circumstances, do not send payment.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to keeping our community informed. You can learn more about current scams on our website www.alpenasheriff.com/679/scam-phone-calls.

REPORT A SCAM

If you have received a scam call or message, please report it using our online form on the website listed above. Your report helps us track trends and warn others in our community.

· This form is for residents who received a suspicious call, did not send money, and did not provide personal information, but would like to notify us.

· This is not a criminal complaint form.

· If you sent money or provided personal information, stop and call Central Dispatch immediately at 989-354-9111.

Important reminder: The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office will never conduct official business by asking you to fill out forms through a text message link or to send money over the phone.