Yavapai County Sheriff Warning Public of Scam Targeting Families of Inmates

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is issuing an urgent warning regarding a fraudulent scam targeting families and loved ones of inmates in Yavapai County.

Recent information indicates individuals are impersonating YCSO employees and command staff, claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office and requesting money to enroll inmates in special programs or to “secure their participation” in court or rehabilitation opportunities this is not YCSO, it is a scam.

This matter is being actively investigated by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office — including all employees, deputies, detention staff, and leadership — will never call, email, or text anyone to request or collect money for any reason. This includes inmate programs, fines, warrants, or release conditions. Any communication making such a request should be treated as fraudulent and reported immediately.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has issued a list of actions they will never take:

• YCSO will never contact you to request or accept payment over the phone, by text, email, or social media.
• YCSO will never request payment through gift cards, wire transfer, Venmo, PayPal, cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, or in-person cash transactions.
• YCSO will never call or text demanding personal financial information, such as credit card details or banking information.
• YCSO will never offer “program access” or “early release” in exchange for any form of payment.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has issued a list of warning signs of this scam:

• The caller requests immediate payment or insists the issue is “urgent.”
• The caller instructs you to pay using cash, gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has issued a list of advisories:

• Do not engage or provide any information. Hang up immediately.
• Do not send money or disclose personal or financial information.
• Write down as much information as possible, including:

– The phone number or contact method used.

– The name, title, or badge number claimed by the caller.

– Any inmate name mentioned.

– The requested payment method and exact instructions.

Report it immediately to YCSO.

How to report the scam:

• YCSO Non-Emergency Dispatch: 928-771-3260
• Email: [email protected]

The Sheriff’s Office suggests that if possible, save voicemails, screenshots, or messages to assist investigators. These materials are important evidence in the ongoing investigation.

For verified information about inmate services, visitation, or programs, visit the official YCSO website at www.ycsoaz.gov.