Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning is warning residents about a scam targeting families shortly after an arrest is made.
According to Manning, scammers are using publicly available arrest information to contact family members and falsely claim to be calling from the sheriff’s office. In several reported cases, callers demanded money for bail bonds or claimed payment was needed for an ankle monitor to secure an inmate’s release.
“We do not solicit money over the phone,” Manning said. “We don’t take payments over the phone for bail bonds, and ankle monitors are handled through the courts, not by phone calls from our office.”
Manning said the scam has been reported at least twice in Beckham County, with similar incidents occurring in surrounding counties. In some cases, callers pressured families to act quickly, a common tactic used in financial scams.
The sheriff urged residents to slow down, remain cautious, and verify any suspicious calls. Anyone who receives a call requesting payment while claiming to represent the sheriff’s office should hang up immediately and contact the department directly using a known phone number.
Investigators are currently following up on the most recent report. Manning noted that many of these scams originate overseas, making prosecution difficult. However, if the individuals responsible are located within the United States, charges may be possible.
“We’re actively working the case,” Manning said. “But the most important thing is for the public to know this is not us. We are not going to ask you for money over the phone.”
Residents with questions or who believe they may have been contacted by scammers are encouraged to report the incident to the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office.
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