ECSO Warns Of Scam Calls

We recently received a warning from the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association that some counties in our state are reporting that families are receiving phone calls from people claiming to be from Pretrial Services, or other court services, seeking payment for GPS devices so their family member can be released from county jail on electronic monitoring. Since arrests are required to be reported, due to the Local Records Act, Scammers have local inmate’s names and could do an internet search to find relatives living in the area. They then contact relatives by phone and seek “payment” for electronic monitoring devices so their relative can be released from custody.

I see how this may be effective, and how this scam plays on peoples emotions and fears. I once received a call from an elderly woman, who thought she received a telephone call from an estranged grandson, who needed money to bond out of jail in another state. After questioning her and trying to calm her fears, I learned that the caller replied to her, when she asked who he was, by saying, “this is your grandson”. When she replied, “Jimmy”? he said, “yes Grandma, this is Jimmy. I’ve been in a traffic accident and

I’m in jail and need bond. Please help me get out”. After a short investigation, I knew this wasn’t her grandson Jimmy, but she would have sent all of the money she had to get Jimmy out of jail.

We no longer have cash bail in Illinois, and this new con is slightly different, but if you receive a call like this it is a SCAM. Hang up and report this call to your local police. The Illinois Office of Pretrial Services will not call you asking for payment for any kind of electronic monitoring.

Stay safe and stay informed.