GEORGIA (WJBF) – The State Board of Pardons and Paroles of Georgia is warning the public of a scam in which an offender’s family is contacted and asked to pay a fee so the offender can be released.
“The Georgia Parole Board does not charge a fee, nor will it ever charge money, to parole an offender or set a release date,” said Parole Board Chair Terry Barnard.
In particular, citizens are contacted and, in some variations, told that a sum of money must be transferred in order for the offender to be released. In most cases scammers explain that the offender needs an electronic monitor and this must be paid for before the offender is released.
Other recent local scam alerts:
“These scammers can be very persuasive and pose as probation officers or parole officers and they may have information about the offender such as sentencing information, dates, etc. This is an attempt to lend credibility to their scheme,” says Chris Barnett, executive director of the Georgia password board.
The Parole Board is currently working with and providing information to other government and law enforcement agencies to stop the fraudulent practice.
If you are contacted and believe it is a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency and report it. Also, contact the Board of Directors at GaParoleBoard@pap.ga.gov. The Board will provide the offender’s current parole status.
Learn more about the State Board of Pardons and Paroles at pap.georgia.gov.
