The sheriff of Jackson County is warning residents of scammers who are looking to take advantage of family and friends of prisoners.
Sheriff Janis Mangum posted a video to social media Tuesday afternoon saying area residents have reported being contacted by callers claiming to be with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.
"(The caller was) saying this loved one was going to get out (of prison) on May 22, and went on to tell them where they could live, where they could be. They knew everything about this inmate," Mangum said. "Then, at the end of the call, they told them that all they would have to do was pay for the ankle monitor for that person, and then they requested $1,500 to pay for this ankle monitor."
Mangum said she spoke with the Board of Pardons and Paroles who confirmed that that call was a scam. She said several people in the county have fallen victim to the scam.
"They'll ask for your credit card information to get this money off of, so be mindful. Do not fall for this. It is a scam," Mangum said.
Mangum said anyone who receives such a call should contact the sheriff's office and they will investigate the call to confirm if it is, in fact, a scam. The sheriff's office can be reached by phone at 706-367-8718.
