How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

If you can't receive calls from an inmate, or you want to block your number so inmates can't reach you, call the help line at 1-800-844-6591. One thing worth knowing: billing disputes and refund requests tied to Securus Technology are handled by Securus directly. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office does not process or provide refunds for Securus issues.

To receive phone calls, family and friends need to set up an Advance Connect prepaid calling account tied to the inmate's telephone number. You can fund the account with credit cards, money orders, checks, Western Union, or in person at lobby kiosks.

1. Call for receiving-call help or to block your number. If you cannot receive telephone calls from an inmate, or you want to block your number so inmates cannot call you, call 1-800-844-6591.

1. Choose how you want to fund the prepaid calling account. Advance Connect can be set up or funded using credit cards, money orders, checks, Western Union, or in person.
2. Use a lobby kiosk if you’re paying in person. In-person funding via lobby kiosks is available at the Pre-Trial and Todd Road Facilities.

1. Fund the inmate trust account using the same payment methods. Family and friends can fund inmate trust accounts using credit cards, money orders, checks, Western Union, or in-person kiosks.
2. Go to a lobby kiosk if you’re depositing in person. In-person kiosk funding is available at the Pre-Trial and Todd Road Facilities.

1. Handle disputes and refund requests with Securus Technology. All disputes or refund requests related to Securus Technology must be handled directly with Securus Technology, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office does not process or provide refunds for these issues.

Section What to Verify

• ✓ Confirm 1-800-844-6591 is still the correct number for help receiving inmate telephone calls.
• ✓ Ask whether there are any additional steps required to block your number so inmates cannot call you.

• ✓ Confirm which payment methods are currently accepted for Advance Connect (credit cards, money orders, checks, Western Union, or lobby kiosks).
• ✓ Confirm which payment methods are currently accepted for inmate trust account funding (the same methods listed for Advance Connect).
• ✓ Verify that lobby kiosks are available for in-person funding at the Pre-Trial and Todd Road Facilities.

• ✓ Confirm the current dispute or refund process for Securus Technology accounts.
• ✓ Confirm the right Securus Technology contact path for your specific issue (dispute vs. refund request).
• ✓ Double-check that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office still does not process or provide refunds for Securus-related issues.