YCSO warns residents of fake bail request scams

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) is warning residents of a scam targeting families of people in custody.

In a press release, scammers impersonate law enforcement officials, claiming to represent bail bond agencies who accept payment for an inmate's release.

However, YCSO said, "Bondsmen are not permitted to solicit their services by telephone," and said payments to release an inmate must be made in person by cash "or through a surety bond obtained from licensed bondsman," and "credit cards, electronic payments and payments over the phone are not accepted."

In addition, YCSO said law enforcement agencies will never call anyone to request any form of electronic payment over the phone, and said if anyone receives a call demanding immediate payment, they are urged to hang up as it's a scam.

If anyone has fallen victim to scams or fraud, call a law enforcement agency to report the crime.