How to Send Money to Lake County Detention Cemter (FL)

The Lake County Sheriff's Office warns that scammers sometimes pose as bail bondsmen or Sheriff's Office employees. They contact families asking for bond money or other "fees." A major red flag: being told to pay with gift cards or wire transfers. The Sheriff's Office is clear that no employee will ever contact anyone asking for money for an inmate. Treat any unexpected request like that as a scam until you verify it through official channels.

Steps-to-follow

• ✓ Do not send money by gift card or wire transfer to anyone who contacts you out of the blue claiming they can help with bond or inmate-related fees.
• ✓ If someone calls, texts, or emails you asking for money for an inmate, refuse and contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office using published, official contact information.
• ✓ Treat anyone claiming to be a bondsman or Sheriff’s Office employee who insists on unusual payment methods as a likely scam.

The information here is a scam warning, not a deposit guide. It confirms what to avoid (gift cards and wire transfers from unsolicited callers) and makes clear that Sheriff's Office employees won't contact you asking for money. It doesn't list official payment options, approved vendors, fees, or deposit hours. Before sending anything, verify the official payment methods and exact instructions directly with the Sheriff's Office. Get the correct process and any fees for the specific person you're trying to help.

1. Find official contact information by using the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s official website or its phone directory, not a number provided in a message.
2. Call and ask for the approved ways to send money to someone at the Lake County Detention Center, including which vendors (if any) are used.
3. Request written instructions (an official webpage or an email) so you can follow the correct steps without guessing.
4. End the conversation if you’re pressured to pay by gift card or wire transfer or to use any private, non-official payment method, then report and verify through official channels.