Jun 03, 2026

Sheriff: Kansas woman lost $600 in jail, bail scam

Posted Jun 03, 2026 7:30 PM

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another scam that cost a woman hundreds of dollars.

 A 51-year-old Salina woman received a phone call about relative who was currently in custody at the Saline County Jail, according to Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The male caller told the woman that her relative could bond out but would need an ankle bracelet. The caller told her to start the process; she would need to send $650. The woman was also advised not to end the call until this matter was resolved.

The woman withdrew $650 cash from her bank.  She then went to a Salina pharmacy/convenience store and presented the clerk with two barcodes that the male caller had sent to her. The clerk scanned the barcodes and $650 was sent to the caller.

The caller then told the woman to take the receipt from the store and present it to deputies at the Saline County Jail, and her relative would be released.

When she arrived at the jail, staff told her this was a scam and the relative would not be released.

"The Saline County Sheriff's Office reminds everyone that they will not call you and ask for money, gift cards, property, bank notes, or debit cards on behalf of any inmate. The Sheriff's Office urges the public to be alert and not fall for this scam."