Grays Harbor County, WA Scam Alert: Inmate Families Targeted

Grays Harbor County, WA – Families with loved ones in jail are being warned about fraudulent phone calls after a local resident was allegedly targeted by someone posing as a member of the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office jail staff.

According to the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, the resident reported receiving a call from someone claiming to work at the county jail. The caller allegedly requested $600 for ankle monitoring and classes for an incarcerated family member and instructed the victim to send the money through Apple Pay.

Authorities said the call appeared convincing because the person making it had information about the incarcerated family member. In this case, the fraudulent contact occurred shortly after the resident had deposited money into an inmate’s account.

Jail staff said they are aware of fraudulent calls connected to the ACCESS inmate payment system and are urging residents to independently verify any unexpected request for money.

The sheriff’s office warned people not to send payments through Apple Pay, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, gift cards, cryptocurrency or other payment methods after receiving an unsolicited call claiming to be from law enforcement.

Residents should also avoid calling back a number supplied by the caller. Instead, officials recommend locating the agency’s official phone number independently and contacting it directly.

Authorities said people should be especially cautious when a caller appears to know personal information about someone who is incarcerated, because that information can make fraudulent demands seem legitimate.

Anyone receiving a suspicious call involving an inmate account or purported jail fees should contact the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office before sending money.

The agency’s advice to residents is simple: hang up and verify before making any payment.