What to Do If You Get a Scam Call Claiming Your Loved One Is in Jail (Cleveland County Guidance)
Got a call, text, or message demanding money because your loved one is supposedly in jail? Stop. Verify before you do anything else. Cleveland County is clear on this: real law enforcement never demands payment for legal matters—and there are specific places to report these scams.
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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.
Red flag: Pressure tactics are the giveaway. If someone is rushing you, demanding immediate payment, or discouraging you from verifying their story with local authorities - assume it's a scam until proven otherwise.
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.
- Do not send money - If a caller is pushing you to pay, stop the conversation and don’t transfer funds.
- Gather what you can while staying safe - Write down the phone number, what they claimed, and any instructions they gave you.
- File a report through IC3 - Cleveland County directs scam victims to go to IC3 (www.ic3.gov) for resources or to file a complaint.
- Report it locally - Call the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 704-484-4822 to report the suspected scam.
Reminder: The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office states that law enforcement does not collect money or ask for any form of payment to handle legal matters.
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