It is crucial to be aware that scammers often target families of incarcerated individuals. In a common scheme, a scammer posing as a correctional officer will call you, claiming that your loved one can be released early if you pay a fee for an ankle monitor or similar device.
Prisons do not manage their own phone networks; they contract private telecommunications companies. Look at your past statements or check the facility’s official website to see which provider handles their communications. The most common providers include: Securus Technologies Global Tel Link (GTL) / ViaPath Technologies ICSolutions Step 2: Check Your Account Balance and Status
Prepaid accounts (sometimes called "AdvancePay" or similar) are much less likely to be blocked than collect calls. Setting up a prepaid account with the provider ensures the system recognizes your number as a pre-approved, paid account. 7. What to Do If Calls Are Still Blocked how to unblock a prison call
Contact your phone service provider and request that they remove the facility’s phone number from any spam or block lists. Provide them with the specific phone number that appears when the incarcerated person calls. For example, Essex County Correctional Facility has publicly requested that families contact their carriers to whitelist the number 862‑294‑0030.
. Because correctional facilities use external automated systems, standard phone settings may not always be enough to restore communication. JustAnswer 1. Check Your Personal Device Settings It is crucial to be aware that scammers
To prevent the automated system from blocking you again due to an accidental "3-way call" detection, remove the risk of line interruptions.
If the telecom provider insists there are no blocks on your account, the restriction originates from the prison administration itself. Look at your past statements or check the
If you have tried all of the above—checked your spam filters, called the carriers, verified the inmate's list, and contacted the provider—and you still cannot receive calls, you may be facing an issue with your specific telephone technology. According to Securus, there are additional technical restrictions that may apply.
