BOISE, ID — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning families about a scam targeting relatives of incarcerated individuals, in which suspects pose as law enforcement or court officials to demand fake jail bond payments.

The Attorney General’s Office says scammers allegedly use publicly available jail rosters to identify potential victims, then contact family members with false claims that immediate payment is required to secure a loved one’s release. The callers may spoof phone numbers, use official-looking logos, and reference the names of local sheriffs, judges, or court staff to appear legitimate.

Victims are often directed to pay through cryptocurrency ATMs, which authorities say is a red flag. Officials stress that legitimate courts and law enforcement agencies do not request bond payments through cryptocurrency or gift cards, nor do they pressure families to act immediately.

Families are encouraged to verify any claims by contacting the jail directly using an official phone number found online, rather than one provided by the caller.

Anyone who encounters this scam should hang up and report it to the Attorney General’s Office at ReportScamsIdaho.com.