Inmates are being accused of running phone scams from inside North Carolina jails.
At least 20 separate cases are under investigation in Wake, Johnston and several other counties after a new phone scam has been making rounds across the state.
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The N.C. Department of Insurance refers to this scam as a copycat version of the “Georgia Prison Scam,” an operation that targets families of inmates, where an impersonator will call a family member of an inmate and demand they pay a percentage of a bond over the phone, in return for an earlier release from their sentence.
According to NCDOI Commissioner Mike Causey, inmates are obtaining contraband cell phones either through another person or by drone drop off and using them to make these scam calls.
The caller claims to be a bail bondsman and tells the family their imprisoned relative can get out on early release if they send money through a payment app such as Chime, Apple Pay or Venmo for bail and an ankle monitor.
If the families refuse to pay, the scammers turn up the pressure.
“And if that fails, then they say, ‘Your relative has some enemies here and he may not live through next week unless we get him out of here,’” explained Causey. “And that's very persuasive.”
Once the scammer receives the money, they do not bail out the inmate. Instead, they take the money and refuse to answer phone calls or texts from the family member.
This scam has been reported in a dozen counties across North Carolina. The NCDOI is also working with other law enforcement agencies on at least 20 separate fraud cases involving the scam.
Different versions of this scam target people with no connection to local jails or prisons.
Causey advises to always be wary of any unsolicited phone calls and don't fall for pressure tactics trying to get you to make a payment immediately. Always check with the DOI to make sure you’re dealing with a licensed bail bond agent.
If you suspect a bail bond scam, report it to 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.