Fleming County Sheriff warns of scam targeting families of inmates

FLEMING COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Fleming County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public after multiple people were reportedly scammed out of thousands of dollars by callers pretending to be detention center employees.

According to Sheriff Tim Smith, scammers have been contacting family members of incarcerated individuals, claiming they can help secure a release, reduce charges, or resolve legal issues — but only if money is sent immediately.

Officials say the callers often request payments through electronic apps like Venmo or CashApp.

The sheriff’s office stressed that neither detention centers nor law enforcement agencies will ever ask for payments through apps, gift cards, or similar methods.

How the scam works

Authorities say the scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly without verifying the information.

Officials urge anyone who receives a suspicious call to:

• Not send money

• Not provide personal or banking information

• Hang up immediately

If residents are unsure whether a call is legitimate, they are encouraged to contact the detention center or sheriff’s office directly using a verified phone number — not one provided by the caller.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized is asked to contact Fleming County Dispatch at (606) 845-4701.