PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Legal, police, prison & official contact call about someone in jail • call about someone in prison • inmate phone call about property • asked to store inmate property • asked to pick up jail property • property release authorization form • jail property release scam • law enforcement impersonation scam • caller demands payment for release • requested gift cards for fees • requested wire transfer for fines • caller id spoofing • unsure if official contact • family member incarcerated property • requested to meet a courier • suspicious call from corrections • federal bureau of prisons scam • report fraud to ftc

What to do if…
you receive a call saying someone in custody wants you to store their property and you feel unsure about it

Short answer

Don’t agree to store anything or send money on the call. Hang up and verify by contacting the jail/prison (or the relevant agency) using a trusted number you find independently.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay fees or “release costs” by gift card, wire transfer, crypto, or peer-to-peer apps because a caller demands it.
  • Don’t give one-time passcodes, bank logins, or photos of your ID to a caller.
  • Don’t meet a “courier” or stranger to exchange money or property.
  • Don’t trust caller ID or a badge number as proof (numbers can be spoofed).
  • Don’t take possession of sealed bags, unknown packages, or “property” you didn’t witness being checked in and released through an official facility process. If you already received something, don’t open it—get official advice first.

What to do now

  1. End the call calmly. Say: “I can’t do this over the phone. I’ll contact the facility directly.” Then hang up.
  2. Capture details without re-contacting the caller: claimed agency/facility, name/title, phone number they used, what they asked you to do, and any inmate ID/booking number mentioned.
  3. Verify via a trusted channel you initiate (avoid numbers from ads or the caller):
    • Use the county/state .gov website to find the jail/prison’s main number, then ask for the property unit or front desk.
    • Ask: “What is your process for releasing an inmate’s property to someone else?” (Many facilities require a property release/authorization and government-issued ID for the named person.)
  4. If the caller asked for money or personal information, treat it as a scam signal.
    • The Federal Bureau of Prisons has warned about scams where callers pretend to be officials to get money or information.
    • If you already shared financial info or sent money, contact your bank/card issuer immediately (use the number on your card/app) and ask for the fraud department.
  5. If someone shows up at your home for a handoff: don’t open the door to take items. If you feel threatened or pressured, call 911.
  6. Report it:
    • Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    • If the caller claimed to be from a specific jail/prison, notify that facility’s administration so they can warn others.
    • If there’s an immediate safety concern, call 911; otherwise use your local police non-emergency line.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide today whether you will store anything long-term.
  • You don’t need to travel anywhere, provide documents, or coordinate pickup until you’ve confirmed the facility’s official property release process.
  • You don’t need to argue with the caller or prove it’s a scam—verification can happen after you hang up.

Important reassurance

Feeling unsure is exactly the right instinct. Legitimate property release is usually handled through formal facility procedures (authorization, ID checks, documented pickup), not surprise calls demanding immediate action.

Scope note

These are immediate steps to reduce risk and verify safely. If it turns out to be legitimate, follow the facility’s written property release procedure and only deal with staff through official contact channels.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Procedures vary by state, county, and facility. If you can’t verify independently, assume it’s not safe to proceed.

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