ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- On Thursday, the St. Joseph County Police Department announced a scam targeting family members of inmates, asking them to pay bail money through Bitcoin and gift cards.

The department explained that it believes scammers are looking up inmates online and contacting family members about paying their bail. When they agree to pay bail, the scammers tell them the only way is through paying in Bitcoin or gift cards.

The department noted that at least 10 people fell victim to this scam throughout January and February, costing them thousands of dollars.

The department wishes to inform the public that it does not accept Bitcoin or gift cards and that bail money must be paid in person at the jail, not over the phone. It also notes that it will never call you for money.