Scam targets families of Buncombe County jail inmates with fake release demands

Relatives of people detained in the Buncombe County Jail were targeted by a telephone and internet scam, county deputies warned on Jan. 8. Scammers posed as jail staff or as legal helpers and pressured family members to send wire transfers or buy gift cards to secure a release or pay for legal services.

Deputies said the fraudsters used a mix of phone calls and online messaging to create urgency and fear, often telling relatives that immediate payment was required. The sheriff’s office advised residents to verify any call by using official jail phone numbers, to never send money or gift cards in response to such demands, and to report any suspected scam contacts to local law enforcement.

The scheme preys on a deep local vulnerability: families already stressed by a loved one’s detention. For many in Buncombe County, an unexpected call claiming a loved one will be released only after payment can trigger panic and hasty decisions that result in financial loss. Beyond the immediate monetary harm, the scams erode trust in official channels and add emotional strain to individuals who are often juggling work, child care, and legal appointments.

Local law enforcement emphasized verification through established numbers rather than relying on caller ID or links sent in texts or emails. Residents who receive suspicious calls should take time to confirm details through the sheriff’s office or the Buncombe County Jail’s publicly listed contact points. Do not follow payment instructions from callers who initiate contact; legitimate jail or court communications will not demand gift cards or wire transfers for release or legal representation.

This incident reflects a wider pattern of fraud tactics that exploit family connections and crises. Scammers across the country and around the world have used similar approaches, combining social engineering with digital reach to pressure victims into quick payments. For a community like Asheville and the surrounding county, where close family networks are often the primary support system during legal trouble, awareness and caution are essential protections.

The local impact extends to service providers who assist families, including public defenders and community legal aid, which may face increased calls and additional administrative strain. Keeping lines of communication open with those official agencies helps families avoid costly mistakes and preserves limited financial resources for legitimate legal needs.

The takeaway? Treat any demand for immediate payment as a red flag. Verify calls through official channels, refuse requests for gift cards or wire transfers, and report suspicious contacts to law enforcement so others in our county aren’t caught off guard. Our two cents? Pause, breathe, and call the jail or your attorney before sending a single dollar.