SCAM ALERT

02/16/2026

Unfortunately, once again I am having to make our citizens aware of not falling for scams.

It has been reported to us that apparently there is a current scam happening where people are receiving texts asking for information on people who were arrested recently and requesting payment to get them released by paying through bitcoin.

As well as receiving reports of attempts to call the jail on the county's phone tree at 903-654-3000 and the caller claims to have been diverted to a scammer where they paid a large sum of money by wire transfer to procure a release of the arrested that didn't happen. We have also heard of citizens being directed to a local convience store with directions on how to pay for the jail release.

Please let me be clear, we DO NOT accept bit coin payment nor do we accept wire transfers to release inmates. Please make sure you are speaking directly to an NCSO employee.

I cannot stress enough time and time again, do not become a victim of these types of schemes and scams asking for money and payments to bogus companies, entities or individuals. Ask the caller questions or better yet, just hang up and call the sheriff's office at (903) 654-3001 or 3002.

Sheriff Elmer Tanner