HMP Cracks Down on Inmate Phone Scams Amid Rising Security Concerns
Authorities at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) are stepping up efforts to tackle a surge in phone scams orchestrated by inmates, as the illegal smuggling of cell phones into the facility continues to frustrate prison officials.
Superintendent of Prisons, Trevor Pennyfeather, confirmed that his team is collaborating with the Royal Police Force to seize contraband and prevent further breaches. “Despite recent confiscations, inmates and their outside contacts keep finding ways to get phones inside,” he said.
The scams, which often involve inmates asking unsuspecting members of the public to purchase phone “top-ups” or other items, have already cost victims thousands of dollars. In one case, a person was duped into buying groceries worth over $1,000 based on a fabricated story. Some inmates have even invoked the names of prominent families to lend credibility to their schemes.
Prison authorities say that stronger measures are limited until the Department of Corrections bill—set to address phone smuggling and related offenses—passes in Parliament.
Meanwhile, the public is urged to confirm any such requests directly with the individuals involved before sending money and to report any suspected scams to the police without delay.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/08/18/hmp-cracks-down-on-inmate-phone-scams-amid-rising-security-concerns. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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