Acting Attorney General Michelle Henry Warns Pennsyvlanians to be Aware of a Government Imposter Scam Representing the PA Board of Pardons

Did you receive a phone call from a law enforcement officer appearing to be associated with the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons regarding a new early reentry program of an incarcerated family member? Please BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A SCAM. The scammer will explain that this new program was created to make space in the prison system for the influx of violent inmates. The scammer will lead you to believe that your incarcerated family member qualified and was accepted into an "ISPRP" program. You will be requested to advance payment for an ankle monitor required to be worn by your family member.

Pennsylvanians should watch out for:

• Unsolicited phone calls requesting personal information;

• Fear tactics such as urgent action needed; and

• Requests for payment via cash, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or gift cards.

Tips to Remember:

• Never give out personal information over the phone, especially if you did not initiate the phone call;

• If the caller is asking for immediate payment by using services such as wiring money, purchasing gift cards or any other prepaid service, HANG UP;

• Legitimate agencies will never call and ask you to verify personal information.  If you are unsure of the validity of the phone call, hang up, and contact the agency (prison) to verify the phone call; and

• If you receive a voicemail to call a specific phone number back, DO NOT call this number as this is the scammer waiting for your return phone call.   

Consumers with any questions or feel that they have been victimized by this scam may submit a complaint with the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection by visiting the website, https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/scams-complaint/, by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the office at 1-800-441-2555.