The Summerville Police Department is warning residents about a scam targeting families with urgent claims that a loved one is in jail and needs immediate bond money.

According to an incident report, an individual reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be calling from the Chattooga County Jail. The caller allegedly said a family member was in jail and that payment was needed to post bond, insisting the “only” accepted method was Apple Pay. The report states two Apple Pay transfers were made—one for $7,500 described as bail money and another for $1,500 described as an ankle monitor fee.

After arriving at the jail, the individual learned the jail had not made the call. Police advised the person to file a fraud report with their financial institution and to contact Apple Pay to attempt recovery.

Authorities remind the public that legitimate law enforcement and detention facilities do not demand bond payments via Apple Pay, gift cards, or other peer-to-peer payment apps, and residents should independently verify any such claim by calling the jail or police department using a trusted number—not one provided by the caller.