Jail Scams Targeting Family Members
July 21, 2026 – Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report that in recent weeks, the Sheriff's Office has seen a surge in 
scammers targeting the families and loved ones of incarcerated individuals.
These scammers falsely identify themselves as Placer County Sheriff's Office personnel and claim that payment is required to provide an incarcerated loved one with services such as rehabilitation or probation programs, bail, or even to have charges expunged.
Victims are often instructed to send money through payment platforms like Zelle or Venmo, or purchase retail gift cards. In some cases, scammers will call back claiming the first payment did not go through and demand an additional payment.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office will never make personal phone calls to demand payment for an incarcerated individual or request payment through mobile payment apps or gift cards.
If you receive a call like this, do not send money or provide personal information. Hang up immediately and report the incident to our non-emergency dispatch line at (530) 886-5375.
Please stay alert and share this message to help protect others in our community
Source: Placer County Sheriff's Office
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