inmatesales.com
What InmateSales.com Is and How It Works
InmateSales.com is the online portal for a service called Inmate Sales, which is part of how some correctional facilities in the United States let friends and family pay for communication and deposits for incarcerated individuals. It’s not just a simple website — it’s tied to a network of services that includes phone call funding, messaging, video visits, and other support options.
The company behind it is Combined Public Communications (CPC), and that entity markets and operates a suite of services used by jails and detention centers. InmateSales.com is where customers create accounts, add funds, and manage communications tools for someone in custody.
When you go to the site you’ll see options to log in or register, then choose a facility, a product (phone minutes, video visit, email credits, chirp text service, etc.), and pay for it.
Most government websites explicitly direct people wanting to add money to an inmate’s phone or communication account to this site (or to call CPC’s support number).
Apps linked with InmateSales include:
- InmateSales app — manage accounts, buy deposits, schedule visits, view communications options.
- InmateSales View app — used specifically for placing video calls where supported.
What Services You Can Buy
Once you’ve registered and logged in, the platform is essentially a payment and scheduling hub for services families and friends want to provide their loved ones. Common things you can do through the system include:
Phone and Communication Funding
Most renters or families use the site to put money on an inmate’s phone account so they can receive calls. Different account types exist (e.g., Direct Pay and PIN debit), depending on how the facility handles phone systems.
Video Visits
In facilities that support video visitation, you can schedule remote or onsite video visits. The InmateSales View app is often required to complete remote visits, and approval from the facility is usually necessary before you can connect.
Email Credits
Some facilities let people send emails via InmateSales after purchasing email credits through the site. That system requires both account setup and facility-level approval.
Chirp Texting Services
Certain jails issue a device inmates can use to send short texts (called chirps). The families usually fund these text capabilities by depositing money through the InmateSales portal.
Who Uses It and Why
People generally use InmateSales.com because it’s one of the few official — meaning recognized by many sheriffs’ offices and county jails — ways to fund communications and support services for someone locked up. Many facilities do not provide incoming calls for inmates, so families pay to let inmates call them or send messages.
The system also lets you choose the specific facility and inmate you’re sending funds for, which is necessary because each correctional institution has its own contracts with service providers.
Reputation, Complaints, and Criticism
There’s mixed feedback from people who’ve used the site and its associated services.
Complaints and Concerns
- Customer service issues are frequently mentioned. Some customers say it’s hard to reach support or get issues resolved.
- Billing and account problems — people report deposits not showing up correctly or accounts being difficult to access.
- Cost complaints — because CPC and similar companies operate where there’s often little or no competition, many users say fees are high and unclear.
Positive Experiences
Not all feedback is negative. Some users state that once they understood how the system works, their deposits and communication tools functioned as expected, and customer service helped.
Safety and Legitimacy
Independent website reviewers say InmateSales.com appears legitimate and not a scam, with a valid security certificate and domain history, though they always recommend careful use — especially before entering payment information online.
Business Accreditation
The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and the BBB shows a number of unresolved complaints, which is something to weigh if you’re considering using their services.
How People Typically Use the Platform
Here’s a general outline of what users do on the site:
- Create an account with a valid email address and password.
- Select the correctional facility where the inmate is housed.
- Choose the service you need (phone minutes, video visit, email credits, chirp texts, care packs).
- Pay with a credit card or other accepted method.
- Manage or schedule services through the dashboard or apps.
Government and sheriff’s office guides often link to InmateSales.com for adding funds to inmate phone accounts or scheduling visits, which means it’s widely recognized — though still controlled by a private company.
Things to Watch Out For
- Facility support varies — not all jails support every type of service (e.g., video or email). Make sure your facility is listed before buying.
- Fees can be high — added costs for processing and service can make communication expensive.
- Customer service feedback is mixed — many users say it’s hard to get help when something goes wrong.
- Always verify you’ve selected the correct inmate and facility before paying, as refunds are often difficult.
Key Takeaways
- InmateSales.com is a service portal for funding calls, video visits, emails, and texts for incarcerated people.
- It’s tied to Combined Public Communications (CPC), a company that works with jails on communication services.
- People use it to support inmates’ communication when direct phone access isn’t available.
- The platform gets mixed reviews, especially over fees and customer service.
- Independent safety checks suggest the site itself isn’t a scam, but use caution and confirm facility compatibility.
FAQ
Is InmateSales.com legitimate?
Yes — independent checks show the domain and site security are valid, and many government sources reference it as a provider for inmate communication services.
What services can I buy there?
You can add funds for inmate phone calls, schedule video visits, buy email credits, and sometimes support text (chirp) services or buy care packages.
Do all jails use it?
No. Support varies by facility. Check with the jail or on the site before purchasing a service.
What are common complaints?
High fees, customer service challenges, and technical issues with accounts or apps.
Can I get refunds?
Refunds are usually limited and often tied to the specific facility’s policies as well as InmateSales policies, so mistakes (like wrong inmate selection) can be hard to fix.
Is the app required?
For some features (like video), you need the mobile apps, but the main account setup and fund transfers can be done on the website.
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