Staff Writer
Scammers impersonate deputies, demand money for ankle monitors; officials urge residents to stay vigilant
Cuyahoga County officials are warning residents about a new scam in which criminals impersonate sheriff’s deputies and call the families of people recently booked into the county jail — demanding payment for ankle monitors in exchange for their loved one’s release.
The Alert was issued by the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad and the Sheriff’s Department, which say scammers are using personal details pulled from public records to make the calls seem more legitimate. Officials emphasize that deputies never call residents to request payments of any kind.
How the Scam Works
According to the county’s warning, the scheme begins when a person is arrested and their booking information becomes public. Scammers then contact family members, claiming to be deputies or jail staff.
They insist that the jailed individual can be released immediately if the family pays hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an ankle monitor — a demand the Sheriff’s Department says is entirely fabricated.
The Sheriff’s Office has published guidance on avoiding impersonation scams and urges residents to verify any suspicious contact by calling the department directly at 216-443-6000. More resources are available on the county’s Scam Squad site.
Jury Duty Scams on the Rise
County officials say this new tactic comes as “jury duty scams” continue to circulate across Ohio. In these cases, scammers email or call residents claiming they missed jury service, then demand “bond payments” to avoid arrest.
The U.S. Marshals Service and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office have both issued statewide alerts in recent years, warning that fake deputies often use spoofed phone numbers and forged documents to intimidate victims.
A Brief Look at Concerns and Criticism
Why are these scams so effective?
Security experts say impersonation scams thrive because residents often don’t know what legitimate law enforcement communication looks like. According to the Federal Trade Commission, caller-ID spoofing and urgent, fear-based scripts are among the most successful tactics used by phone scammers nationwide.
Critics say law enforcement transparency gaps may unintentionally aid scammers
Some criminal justice advocates argue that the county could reduce scam risk by improving public messaging around arrest procedures and release protocols. As reported by Cleveland.com in past incidents involving impersonation scams, inconsistent public awareness about how deputies actually contact residents can create opportunities for criminals to exploit confusion.
County response
The Sheriff’s Department maintains that it regularly updates the public through its website and Sheriff’s App, and urges residents to rely only on official phone numbers and direct communication lines.
Protect Yourself From Impersonation Scams
The county advises residents to take the following steps:
- Hang up immediately if someone claiming to be a deputy, agent, or officer says you missed court or are about to be arrested.
- Do not travel anywhere at a caller’s instruction — this is a known tactic used to isolate victims.
- Never call back using the number provided in a suspicious voicemail or text. Verify independently by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 216-443-6000.
- Do not stay on the phone if a caller insists you remain connected or keep the conversation secret. Law enforcement will never do this.
- Never pay anyone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming you owe money related to court, jail, fines, fees, or missed jury duty.
Scam Squad investigators say scammers often escalate pressure quickly, using legal terminology and threats to stop victims from double-checking the story. Click here for more information
