ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Albany Police Department has issued an urgent alert regarding a scam targeting family members of individuals incarcerated at the Dougherty County Jail.

Scammers are making calls to the relatives of jail inmates, often concealing their identity by appearing as “No Caller ID.” During these calls, the scammers claim that the incarcerated family member needs bond money and pressure victims into making immediate payments.

The scheme typically works like this:

• The caller claims your family member requires bond
• They pressure you to send money immediately
• If you cannot pay the full bond amount, they claim you can send a partial payment
• They provide a fraudulent phone number or payment method to receive the funds

Key facts to know:

• Officers, deputies, and law enforcement personnel will not call you requesting bond payments
• Legitimate bond arrangements go through official court channels, not unsolicited phone calls
• “No Caller ID” calls about bond payments are red flags for fraud

If you receive a suspicious call about bond payments:

1. Do not send money
2. Verify the claim independently by contacting the jail directly using official, publicly listed phone numbers
3. Report the scam to the Albany PD

If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by this scam, contact the Albany PD at 229-431-2100.

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