Scammers are dialing up Larimer County residents and pretending to be local officials, demanding cash to spring a loved one from jail, according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. The callers are reportedly pushing frantic payments for things like an inmate’s bond, a supposed “early release” fee, or even an ankle-monitor charge. Authorities are clear about one thing: it is all a scam, and no legitimate deputy will ever call and demand money over the phone.
What the sheriff’s office posted
In a Facebook post on Friday, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said it had received multiple reports of scammers calling residents, falsely claiming that a family member was in custody and insisting that relatives pay immediately to avoid arrest or to arrange a release, according to Facebook. The post emphasizes that deputies do not call people to demand payment for bond, early release, or ankle monitors and urges anyone who gets such a call to hang up and refuse to share personal or financial information.
Local guidance from the sheriff
Larimer County’s frauds-and-scams page lays out the usual red flags: spoofed caller ID that looks official, high-pressure threats, and demands for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps. It also reminds residents that law enforcement will never ask for money by phone, according to Larimer County. The county provides a local Scambusters contact for people who have been targeted. If you received one of these calls but did not lose money, you can report it to Barbara Bennett at 970-498-5146.
Why this keeps happening
Government-impersonation scams have surged across the country, and reported losses to impostors using cash and gift cards have climbed sharply in recent years, according to the FTC. Scammers lean on fear and urgency to push victims into quick, irreversible payments, and the FTC warns that caller ID can be spoofed to make the calls look legitimate even when they are not.
How to protect yourself and report it
If you get a call like this, the sheriff’s advice is simple: hang up, do not share personal details, and do not send money. Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps for anything a supposed government official is demanding. Instead, verify any claim by calling your local sheriff’s non-emergency number or by checking official government websites.
Scam attempts can be reported to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or through Larimer County’s fraud page for local guidance. If you believe you lost money, contact your bank right away to try to stop any transfers and file a report with local law enforcement…