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The Howard County Sheriff’s Office wants to make the public aware of a new scam impacting families in our community.

Here is what is happening:

Foreign-based scammers are monitoring publicly released arrest information. They then search for relatives using publicly available data and contact them, posing as government officials. They claim that for a payment, often in Bitcoin, gift cards, or other electronic methods, they can:

• Get your loved one out of jail
• Arrange early release
• Place them on GPS monitoring
• “Fix” or reduce charges

Let us be clear: THIS IS A SCAM.

No legitimate government official will ever call you demanding payment. No one from our office will ever request Bitcoin, gift cards, or electronic payments over the phone. Jail release procedures and bond payments are handled through official, documented court and jail processes only.

If you receive a call like this:

• Do NOT send money.
• Do NOT provide personal or financial information.
• Hang up immediately.
• Contact our office directly at 765-457-1105 to verify.

We understand that when a loved one is in jail, emotions are high. Scammers count on that urgency and fear to pressure people into making quick decisions. Please slow down and verify before taking any action.