The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is warning the community about tether scams, which target the families of those recently arrested by law enforcement.
The scam usually begins after an individual is booked at a local jail. Scammers quickly identify family members, locate phone numbers for them and then contact the family members while claiming to be from the local Sheriff’s Office. The scammers request money, within a specific time frame, to get the arrested individual released on a tether. Scammers usually request payment via PayPal, Zelle, ApplePay, or other digital means.
The most recent report of this scam came from the phone number (810) 734-6447, with the scammer claiming to be Sgt. Wise from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. The victim lost nearly $1,000 in this interaction.
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office will never request payment via any of the above means. If you are ever suspicious, please call (810) 987-1700 to speak to a Sheriff’s Office employee.
