Police warn of phone scam demanding electronic-monitoring fees to ‘release’ inmates
Scammers impersonate police or court officials and demand immediate payment via Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards to ‘secure’ an inmate’s release—officials say never pay and provide reporting contacts.
The New Cumberland Police Department warns of a recurring phone/text scam targeting families of people in custody. Callers spoof local law‑enforcement numbers, cite real booking details, and pressure victims to pay immediately via digital apps, wire transfers, crypto or gift cards; officials emphasize that courts and police will never demand payment that way. If contacted, hang up, verify with the jail or agency using official published numbers, warn vulnerable relatives, and report incidents to New Cumberland Dispatch at (717) 774‑0400, Cumberland County Non‑Emergency at (717) 243‑4121 or 911 for emergencies.