Beware Of Scammers Posing As Deputies In Phone Calls, Warns Tulsa County Sheriff's Office

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office is warning everyone that scammers are posing as deputies and calling families of inmates in the county jail to get money. Investigators say these scammers are asking for money with the promise that their loved one will be released from jail.

Deputies say these calls should raise red flags since no employee will ever call an inmate’s family about posting bail.

Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Roebuck says it is not uncommon for scammers to call people to tell them they have a warrant and need to make a payment. However, she says these latest scammers are targeting family members of inmates by claiming to be current or former employees.

“They claim to be Chief Eric Kitch, who is our now-retired jail administrator,” said Roebuck. “This gentleman doesn’t even work for us anymore!”

Roebuck says the scammer told the family the facility had a COVID outbreak, and in order to release their loved one, a $400 Venmo transaction needed to be sent. The family scrambled to make the payment.

“They will research their victims very carefully and try and pick who they think is a good target,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had one family fall prey to this already.”

Deputies say if you get one of these calls, the best thing to do is just hang up. If you sent money to a scammer, you are still asked to call the sheriff’s office and file a report.