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What to Do When Blue Ridge Regional Jail (Amherst) Website Pages Return 'Forbidden'

If you keep seeing "Access to this page is forbidden." on Blue Ridge Regional Jail pages while trying to handle visits, mail, or phone setup, you're not alone. Here's what we found, what you can try right now, and your best next steps if you still can't get where you need to go.

• 5 min read • brrja.state.va.us Verified from official sources

The following Blue Ridge Regional Jail website pages all returned the same error: "Access to this page is forbidden." If you're seeing that exact line, it's a site-level access problem, not something you did wrong. Pages showing the "forbidden" message: At https://brrja.state.va.us/acadc-2, the page displayed: "Access to this page is forbidden." At https://brrja.state.va.us/inmate-visitation, the page displayed: "Access to this page is forbidden." At https://brrja.state.va.us/inmate-mail, the page displayed: "Access to this page is forbidden." At https://brrja.state.va.us/inmate-phone-calls, the page displayed: "Access to this page is forbidden." At https://brrja.state.va.us/inmate-programs, the page displayed: "Access to this page is forbidden."

  1. Reload the page - Close the tab, reopen it, and try again. If you copied the address from a text or social post, retype it to rule out a hidden character.
  2. Try a private window - Open an Incognito/Private Browsing window and paste the same page address. This bypasses some cached data that can trigger errors.
  3. Clear site data for that page - Clear your browser cache/cookies for the Blue Ridge site, then restart the browser.
  4. Switch browsers or devices - If it fails in one browser, try another (or switch from phone to computer). Quick tests like this help you figure out if it’s device-specific.
  5. Change your connection - If you’re on Wi-Fi, try cellular data (or the other way around). Some networks block certain sites.
  6. Capture proof while it’s happening - Take a screenshot that includes the full address bar and the “Access to this page is forbidden.” message.
  7. - Windows: use Snipping Tool or press Win + Shift + S.
  8. - Mac: press Command + Shift + 4.
  9. - iPhone/iPad: Side button + Volume Up.
  10. - Many Android phones: Power + Volume Down.
  11. Write down what you tried - Note the time, the device, and which step (private window, new browser, new connection) changed anything.

Safety check: If a page looks unfamiliar or the address seems off, do not enter passwords or payment info. Use only the official vendor portals you already recognize.

If you land on a deposits portal while trying to add funds, confirm you're on the real vendor site before entering any personal info. On the JailATM deposits site, look for the footer text: "JailATM™ ©2026 Tech Friends, Inc." That footer is a quick way to verify you're on the legitimate deposits portal, even when other jail website pages are blocked.

For phone accounts, you may be using ConnectNetwork's AdvancePay. One policy that catches families off guard: once created, an AdvancePay account becomes inactive and is subject to forfeiture after 180 consecutive days of inactivity or non-use (unless governing law or contract sets a different time). If you need a balance back, ConnectNetwork states that a refund can be obtained by calling customer service at 877-650-4249.

AdvancePay accounts have an inactivity clock. ConnectNetwork states that once created, your AdvancePay account will become inactive and is subject to forfeiture after 180 consecutive days of inactivity or non-use, unless a shorter or longer period applies based on governing law or contract. Need a refund? ConnectNetwork also states: "A refund can be obtained by calling customer service at 877-650-4249."

Time-sensitive: If you haven’t used an AdvancePay account in a while, check for recent activity and act quickly if money is at risk. For refunds, the published customer service number is 877-650-4249.

Document Problem

  • âś“ The full page address (copy/paste the complete URL)
  • âś“ The exact error text you see (for example, “Access to this page is forbidden.”)
  • âś“ The date and time it happened (include your time zone if you can)
  • âś“ Your device (phone/computer) and operating system
  • âś“ Your browser name and version (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.)
  • âś“ Whether you were on Wi-Fi or cellular
  • âś“ What you tried (private window, new browser, cleared cache, etc.)
  • âś“ Screenshots that show the full address bar and the error message
  • âś“ File names or short labels for screenshots (example: “brrja_inmate-visitation_forbidden_2026-02-08_1015am.jpg”)

Save everything in one place (a note on your phone or a simple document) and keep screenshots where you can find them fast. When you contact jail staff or a vendor, sending the exact URL, the exact error line, and a screenshot usually cuts the back-and-forth down to a single exchange.

If the same "Access to this page is forbidden." message keeps showing up on key pages like https://brrja.state.va.us/inmate-visitation or https://brrja.state.va.us/acadc-2, treat it as a site access issue, not a mistake on your end. Start by contacting the jail or jail administration with the evidence you collected (screenshots, timestamps, and the exact page addresses). If they can't resolve it or you can't reach the right person, try the local government office that handles web/IT support for public sites. For anything clearly vendor-related (account access, payments, refunds), go directly to the vendor's customer service.

  1. Contact the jail first - Share the exact URL(s) that show the error (for example, https://brrja.state.va.us/inmate-visitation and https://brrja.state.va.us/acadc-2), plus your screenshot and the time it happened.
  2. Escalate to the local government office that supports the website - Provide the same packet of details so they can reproduce the “Access to this page is forbidden.” error.
  3. If it’s a vendor account issue, contact the vendor - For AdvancePay refunds, ConnectNetwork’s published number is 877-650-4249.

Be careful with personal information while troubleshooting access problems. ConnectNetwork has stated that in August 2020, the personal information of thousands of Telmate users was exposed and accessed by unknown attackers. Stick to official vendor channels you recognize, avoid sharing sensitive details by message or on unfamiliar pages, and keep an eye on any accounts you use for jail communications or payments.

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