Guide to Receiving Inmate Collect Calls on Your Cell Phone- Everything You Need to Know

How to Accept Collect Calls from Jail on Cell Phone

In the unfortunate event that a loved one is incarcerated, one of the most challenging aspects can be staying in touch. Many inmates are not allowed to have their own phones, which means that the only way to communicate is through collect calls. Receiving these calls on a cell phone can be tricky, but with the right steps, you can ensure that you don’t miss out on important conversations. Here’s a guide on how to accept collect calls from jail on your cell phone.

Step 1: Verify the Inmate’s Information

Before you can accept a collect call from jail, you need to have the correct information. This includes the inmate’s full name, their booking number, and the correctional facility where they are being held. You can usually find this information on the jail’s website or by contacting the facility directly.

Step 2: Check with Your Cell Phone Carrier

Not all cell phone carriers allow collect calls from jail, so it’s essential to check with your provider to ensure that this service is available on your plan. Some carriers may charge extra for accepting collect calls, so be sure to ask about any additional fees.

Step 3: Set Up a Collect Call Forwarding Number

To receive collect calls from jail, you’ll need to set up a collect call forwarding number. This is a special number that will route the call from the jail to your cell phone. Most cell phone carriers offer this service for free, but you’ll need to activate it through your account settings.

Step 4: Inform the Inmate of Your Forwarding Number

Once you have your collect call forwarding number, inform the inmate of this number. They will need to provide this information to the jail staff when placing the call.

Step 5: Wait for the Call

After the inmate has placed the call, you should receive a notification on your cell phone. Be prepared to answer the call quickly, as there may be a brief delay before the inmate can connect.

Step 6: Follow Instructions

When you answer the call, you may be prompted to enter a PIN or other information to verify your identity. Follow the instructions provided by the jail staff to ensure a successful connection.

Step 7: Stay Connected

Once you’re connected, try to keep the conversation going. Remember that these calls can be expensive, so it’s essential to be mindful of the time and content of your conversation.

In conclusion, accepting collect calls from jail on your cell phone is a straightforward process once you have the necessary information and follow the right steps. By setting up a collect call forwarding number, informing the inmate, and being prepared to answer the call, you can stay connected with your loved one during their time in jail.