Harrison County Sheriff Warns of Convincing Jail Release Scam Targeting Families of Local Inmates

Scammers posing as Mississippi deputies are demanding Bitcoin for fake inmate tracking devices. Sheriff Matt Haley warns families ofconvincing high pressure tactics.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WLOX

A Sophisticated Ruse Exploiting Family Ties

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public alert regarding a sophisticated telephone scam designed to defraud the families of individuals currently incarcerated. According to local authorities, the perpetrators are impersonating law enforcement officers and claiming that inmates can be released early due to jail overcrowding if their families pay for specialized monitoring equipment. These calls often include specific details and convincing terminology, leading some victims to believe they are speaking with legitimate department personnel.

The Apple Watch and Ankle Monitor Deception

Gulfport resident Olivia Brannon recently shared her experience with the scammers, who presented her with tiered "options" for her loved one’s release. The callers claimed she could choose between "Option A," described as an Apple Watch style tracking device, or "Option B," a traditional ankle monitor. The scammers demanded a payment of $785 for either device, claiming the equipment was necessary to enforce a strict curfew once the inmate left the facility. Brannon noted that the callers were highly articulate and nearly convinced her of the offer's legitimacy at the start of the conversation.

Escalation Through Psychological Pressure and Fear

When victims express an inability to pay, the scammers reportedly pivot to aggressive psychological tactics intended to induce panic. In Brannon’s case, the caller suggested that the inmate was in a state of emotional distress and hinted that his physical safety could be at risk if he remained in jail. Sheriff Matt Haley confirmed that these criminals sometimes use the names of actual deputies employed by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office to bolster their credibility, making the scam particularly dangerous for those already under the stress of a family member’s arrest.