Verify before you pay

1. Confirm you have the right person

Names are not unique — a common name can match dozens of people in one state. Match at least two of these on the official record:

1. Date of birth or age. The quickest way to rule out someone with the same name.
2. Booking number or inmate ID. Write it down — facilities, payment providers, and visitation systems all ask for it.
3. Facility name and location. County jails, state prisons, and federal facilities are separate systems with separate rosters.
4. Booking date and photo, where the roster shows them.

2. Send money only through official channels

• Start on the facility’s own website (or call the facility). It names the one provider it uses for deposits, phone, and messaging.
• Pay that provider directly — on its website, its app, or a lobby kiosk. Never through a link someone texts or emails you.
• Bail is paid to the court or jail, or through a licensed bail bond agent you contact yourself. Ask for the agent’s license number.
• Court fines and restitution go to the clerk of court; supervision fees go to the probation or parole agency.
• Keep every receipt and confirmation number until the money shows up on the account.

3. Common scams to watch for

• The “release fee” call. Someone says they can get your loved one out tonight, speed up a case, or drop charges for a payment. No one can sell that.
• The fake officer or court. A caller claims there is a warrant for you or a missed jury duty and demands payment by phone. Courts and police do not take gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or wire transfers over the phone.
• The vehicle locate fee. Finding an impounded vehicle through a government agency is free. Only the tow yard charges, and it itemises towing and storage.
• The record-clearing offer. Offers to remove someone from a registry, clear a probation violation, or “fix” a record for a fee. Only a court or the agency can change those.
• Paid “people search” sites. They charge for public records that are free on the official site — and are often out of date.

4. Report fraud

If you paid a scammer, contact your bank or card issuer first — quick action can sometimes stop or reverse the payment. Then report it:

Also tell the facility or agency that was impersonated — they often track these scams and warn other families.