What to do if…
you receive an unexpected collect call from a detention facility and you do not know who it is

What to do now

1. End the call first.
   If you already accepted, say only: “I do not know who this is. I will verify independently.” Then hang up.

2. Write down the details you already have.
   Note the date and time, the number displayed, any facility name, any inmate-calling company name, the caller’s stated name, and any booking number or register number mentioned.

3. Check the facility claim through an official route.
   Search for the official website of the county jail, state corrections department, or federal Bureau of Prisons. Use only the main switchboard, official facility page, or official inmate locator you find yourself.

4. Ask limited verification questions through the official number.
   If you reach a facility switchboard, ask whether they can confirm whether the named person is there, what information they can give to the public, and how call blocking works for unwanted inmate calls.

5. Use a hard stop for suspicious payment demands.
   If anyone says you must pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, payment app, or immediately to avoid arrest, treat that as a scam sign and end contact.

6. Check your phone account for charges.
   Look for collect-call, inmate-call, or third-party billing charges. Ask your phone carrier how to block collect calls, inmate calls, and third-party billing to your number.

7. If the calls continue, use the provider or facility block process.
   Use the inmate-calling company name from the recording or bill to ask for a block and ask what dispute or refund process is available. If you do not know the provider, ask the facility’s main number who handles inmate calls.

8. If it appears real and you may know the person, slow down.
   Before sending money, sharing personal details, accepting repeated calls, or doing any favor, consider speaking with a lawyer or another trusted person who is not caught up in the urgency.