🚨 CRIMEWATCH ALERT: Phone Scam Targeting Families of Inmates via Fake Electronic Monitoring Fees
NEW CUMBERLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
LOCATION: New Cumberland Borough / Cumberland County
CATEGORY: Scam / Fraud Warning
OVERVIEW
The New Cumberland Police Department is issuing a public safety warning regarding a recurring phone scam targeting residents with family members or friends in custody.
Scammers are contacting victims via phone or text, posing as local police officers, sheriff's deputies, court officials, or electronic monitoring vendors. The caller claims that a loved one who was recently arrested can be immediately released on an electronic monitoring device (ankle monitor)—or is about to be returned to jail—if a fee is paid immediately.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
- Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers manipulate caller ID technology so the incoming call appears to originate directly from the police department, county sheriff, or jail facility.
- Insider/Public Booking Details: Fraudsters monitor public arrest logs, court dockets, or local news to mention specific names, charges, or booking details, making the call sound convincing.
- High-Pressure Tactics: The caller creates extreme urgency, claiming there is a limited window to secure release due to "jail overcrowding" or immediate court processing deadlines.
- Untraceable Payment Demands: Victims are instructed to send funds immediately via digital payment platforms (Cash App, Venmo, Zelle), wire transfers, cryptocurrency/Bitcoin kiosks, or prepaid gift cards.
⚠️ IMPORTANT FACT: Law enforcement agencies, court officials, and probation departments will NEVER call you demanding immediate payment over the phone, via cash apps, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to secure someone's release on electronic monitoring.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- HANG UP IMMEDIATELY: Do not engage with the caller or provide any personal or financial details.
- VERIFY INDEPENDENTLY: Contact the Cumberland County Prison or the police agency holding your relative directly using official, published phone numbers—never use a callback number given by the caller.
- NEVER PAY VIA DIGITAL APPS OR GIFT CARDS: Official court fines, bail payments, or supervision fees are processed through verified judicial channels, authorized county clerk offices, or approved official portals—not Cash App, Venmo, or Bitcoin.
- TALK TO YOUR FAMILY: Inform vulnerable relatives and friends about this scam so they are prepared if targeted.
REPORTING AN INCIDENT
If you receive one of these fraudulent calls or have fallen victim to this scam and sent money, please contact us immediately:
- New Cumberland Police Department Dispatch: (717) 774-0400
- Cumberland County Non-Emergency Dispatch: (717) 243-4121
- Online/Emergency: In an emergency, dial 911.
