What to Do If You Get a Scam Call Claiming Your Loved One Is in Jail (Cleveland County Guidance)

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• ✓ Emergency: Call 9-1-1
• ✓ Non-emergency / report a scam to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office: Call 704-484-4822

Need to reach Cleveland County E-9-1-1 leadership directly? Captain Chris Hutchins, the E-9-1-1 Director, is available at 704-484-4875.

Not every scam call starts with "your loved one is in jail." Cleveland County's scam guidance also warns about callers steering you toward "investments" or quick money moves - like cryptocurrency or gold futures. If the conversation heads in that direction, treat it as a red flag. Pause before sharing any information or sending money.

Cleveland County's message is simple: law enforcement does not collect money or request payment for legal matters. Period. If someone contacts you asking for payment - no matter how official they sound - don't treat it as a legitimate request.

1. Do not send money - If a caller is pushing you to pay, stop the conversation and don’t transfer funds.
2. Gather what you can while staying safe - Write down the phone number, what they claimed, and any instructions they gave you.
3. File a report through IC3 - Cleveland County directs scam victims to go to IC3 (www.ic3.gov) for resources or to file a complaint.
4. Report it locally - Call the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 704-484-4822 to report the suspected scam.