The Jena Police Department is warning residents about a scam targeting families of people who are incarcerated.

According to the department, scammers are using updated inmate rosters and other public records to identify people currently in jail and locate information about their family members.

The scammers then contact relatives by phone or message and claim their loved one can be released on bond if a payment is made.

Police said the callers may falsely claim to be associated with a jail, court, judge or law enforcement agency and provide instructions for sending the money.

The Jena Police Department stressed that residents should not send money in response to these calls or messages.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call involving an incarcerated family member should hang up and independently contact the appropriate jail or court using an official telephone number to verify any information before taking further action.