RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The Meade County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a renewed scam targeting people through threats involving jail inmates and supposed bond payments.

According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are contacting individuals and claiming they must post bond for a Meade County jail inmate using a Bitcoin kiosk or other nontraditional payment methods. Officials say this is a fraud and that no legitimate government agency conducts business that way.

The sheriff’s office emphasized it does not accept payments through cryptocurrency, gift cards, Bitcoin kiosks, or other unconventional methods. Law enforcement business, officials said, is conducted face to face, inside county buildings, using recognized payment options.

Bond payments in Meade County are accepted only at the Clerk of Courts Office or at the Meade County Jail. Any request to pay bond elsewhere, especially under pressure or threat of legal consequences, should be considered a scam.

Authorities also warned that scammers often try to rush victims into making payments by creating fear or urgency. Residents are encouraged to pause, verify claims independently, and contact the sheriff’s office directly if they are unsure.

The sheriff’s office urged the public not to engage with scammers and to report suspicious calls or messages, reminding residents that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payment through cryptocurrency or gift cards.

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