Scammers Targeting Families of Individuals Newly Booked into the Fulton County Jail

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about an active phone scam targeting the families and emergency contacts of individuals who have recently been booked into the Fulton County Jail. Scammers are calling contacts listed at intake posing as bail bondsmen or jail officials and demanding immediate payment to secure a loved one's release.

How the Scam Works
Victims report receiving phone calls, in the window between a defendant's booking and the family's first legitimate contact from the jail or a victim advocate, from someone claiming to represent a bonding company. The caller:

• Identifies the defendant by name and claims to know details about their case or custody status.
• Demands money be sent immediately, often in partial payments, using cash apps or other hard-to-trace payment methods.
• Scammers use false claims about outbreaks or medical conditions inside the jail, threats of additional "fees" for things like missed court appearances, or claims the defendant needs to be moved or released for their safety.
• May continue calling repeatedly even after the victim expresses suspicion or says they plan to contact police.

• Hang up. Legitimate bonding companies and jail staff will not pressure you into sending money over the phone through cash apps, gift cards, or wire transfers.
• Verify your loved one's custody status and any bond information directly with the jail or through the official inmate resident locator/booking system on our website at www.fcsoga.org before taking any action.
• Call the bonding agency directly, using a number you look up yourself — not one provided by the caller — if you want to confirm whether a bond has been posted or is needed.
• Do not engage further if the caller becomes aggressive or continues calling back. Block the number and document the date, time, and details of the call for your report.

Help for Victims
We are here to serve and help. If you have already sent money in response to one of these calls, please contact us immediately at fcso.investigations@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-567-2608, so we can assist you with launching an investigation.

How to Submit a Resident Welfare Check via the Fulton County Sheriff’s Mobile APP
If you are unsure whether a loved one is safely residing within our jail system, you can request a Resident Welfare Check directly through the official Fulton County Sheriff’s Office mobile app rather than relying on information from an unsolicited caller.

How to download the app:

1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) on your mobile device.
2. Search for "Fulton Co. Sheriff’s Office GA"
3. Tap Install/Get to download and open the app.
4. Select Inmate Welfare Check and follow the prompts to submit a request on behalf of your loved one.
5. The appropriate staff will follow-up directly through the app or by phone using the contact information you provided.