SCAM Alert: Bail Bond Agent Impersonators & Ankle Monitor Offer Scam
- Dunn County Sheriff's Office
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
DATE OF RELEASE: 05/02/2026
INCIDENT #:
SUBJECT: Scam Alert: Fraudulent Bail Bond Calls
AUTHORIZED BY: Sheriff Kevin Bygd
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office would like the public to be aware of an ongoing scam involving individuals impersonating bail bond agents and contacting family members of those arrested and/or incarcerated. The individuals request money to cover bail and sometimes offer an “ankle monitor” program.
This is not a legitimate process. Neither Bond Agents nor the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will ever contact families directly and request money for an ankle monitor or bail. These scams appear to be circulating throughout the country within recent weeks, but we also have seen them occur locally, in Dunn County.
Unfortunately, these scams are becoming more common. We’ve had individuals come in after sending money, believing their loved one would be released from custody — only to find out they had been scammed.
If you receive a suspicious call:
- DO NOT send money.
- Do not provide additional personal information, even if the caller seems to have your name, birthdate, or phone number.
- Contact your local law enforcement agency to inquire if it is a legitimate call or not.
- Remember that local jails will only accept bond payment directly, not through any of the electronic means listed below.
Often, scammers will attempt the following:
- They will try and keep you on the phone until you send the money. They don’t want you to be able to contact your local jail or law enforcement agency to inquire about the call.
- They will attempt to have you transfer money electronically through the purchase of prepaid cards or system such as MoneyPak, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, Paypal, and many others.
Please be vigilant and contact us with any concerns before sending money for bail bond, ankle monitors, or any other purpose. These scammers know exactly when to strike, such as moments of weakness, when defenses are down. You should also be mindful of companies that reach out to you, and never send money to an unknown source.
If you think you are on the receiving end of a scam, you can report suspicious activity to the FBI at IC3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also call the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office at (715)232-1348 or visit www.DunnCountySheriff.com for more information.
Sheriff Kevin Bygd