Rabun County Sheriff's Office
Rabun County Sheriff Mark Gerrells recently alerted the community about a scam involving the inmate population lists.
Gerrells told The Clayton Tribune that scammers are obtaining inmate population lists from local detention centers. They are then calling family members and telling them that their loved ones can be released, but they must wear an ankle monitor. The scammer will then solicit funds to pay for an ankle monitor. Scammers also will say they are bondsmen and try to get friends and family to pay so they can release the inmate, Gerrells explained.
The sheriff also posted a video on social media explaining the scam and how residents can prevent being scammed.
“This is a scam that’s going on. We will never contact anybody in reference to a bond or anything else like that,” Gerrells said.
Gerrells urged residents that if they get one of those calls, to call the Rabun County Detention Center at 706-782-4480 or visit at 175 Boen Creek Road, Tiger. He said the detention center will verify the information and answer any questions and concerns citizens have.
In an effort to “stop and prevent this scam from continuing,” Gerrells said the inmate population lists have been removed from the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office website and RCSO smartphone application.
Prior to the decision to remove the lists, Gerrells said he spoke with other sheriffs who said removing the inmate population lists helped in pretty much stopping the scamming from continuing in their respective counties.
Gerrells clarified that inmate population lists are still public record and available via an Open Records Request, but they are no longer posting them on the website or app.
Gerrells mentioned Rabun Countians have lost thousands of dollars they will never get back because of the scam.
“Do not give out any personal information over the phone,” said Gerrells and added to never do a bond transaction over the phone and to “be aware” of anything suspicious.
“Do not let yourself be a victim,” Gerrells said. “If you have any questions or concerns or you think you’ve been victimized in a scam, please reach out to us and let us be a help to you.” Contact the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office at 706-782-3612.