Scammers Are Calling Families With Fake Jail “Early Release” Deals |
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If someone calls saying your family member in San Francisco County Jail can be released early for a fee, hang up. It’s a scam already reported in Alameda and Monterey counties, and it’s now reaching San Francisco.
How it works:
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- Caller claims to be a sheriff’s deputy, records clerk or bail officer, and may know the inmate’s name and booking details.
- Caller says the inmate qualifies for “early release,” often citing jail overcrowding.
- Caller demands payment, by gift card, wire transfer or cash, for an ankle monitor or processing fee.
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Caller pressures you to act immediately and to keep it quiet.
- Caller ID may be spoofed to look like a real Sheriff’s Office number.
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The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office will never call asking for money to release someone from jail.
What to do:
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- Hang up. Don’t send money or share personal information.
- Verify at a number you look up yourself: Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line, (415) 554-7235.
- Check custody status directly at sfsheriff.com.
- Report it to the Sheriff’s Office at (415) 554-7235 or to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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If you’ve already sent money, free financial counseling is available through StopScams SF:
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This is the first alert issued through StopScams SF, San Francisco’s citywide anti-scam initiative launched by Mayor Daniel Lurie and Treasurer José Cisneros. Sign up for future alerts and free scam-recovery counseling by clicking the link above.
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economic.justice@sfgov.org | San Francisco, CA 94102 US
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