Prison Debit Card Investigation

Elias Kohn Law is investigating the growing problem of jail and prison facilities returning a person’s money on prepaid debit cards loaded with automatic fees. Across Pennsylvania, individuals released from custody often receive their own funds in a form that immediately begins to lose value through charges such as activation fees, ATM fees, inactivity fees, and monthly maintenance deductions.

Many people never consent to receiving a debit card at all. They are not given clear choices—such as cash or a check—and often receive no explanation of the fees or terms. In some cases, individuals walk out of jail with $40 or $50, only to discover that a meaningful portion of their money disappears before they can use it.

Elias Kohn Law is reviewing potential claims for individuals who:
– were released with a debit card they never agreed to;
– lost part of their own money due to unavoidable fees;
– were not given disclosures about card fees or terms;
– could not access their money without paying additional charges.

These practices may violate the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), consumer‑protection laws, and constitutional prohibitions against taking property without due process.

If you or someone you know was issued a release debit card and lost money through hidden or mandatory fees, there may be a viable claim. Elias Kohn Law is actively investigating these cases throughout Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.