Send Money to Harnett County Detention Center. PayTel Deposits

How to Send Money Through PayTel

PayTel Communications handles all money deposits for Harnett County Detention Center. PayTel also runs the phone and messaging system here, so one account covers everything.

Step 1: Get the inmate ID number. Go to cc.southernsoftware.com/bookingsearch/index.php?AgencyID=HarnettCoNC and search by name. The inmate ID number is on the booking record. You cannot complete a deposit without it.

Step 2: Go to paytel.com. Create a free account using your name, email, and contact information.

Step 3: Find the facility. Search for Harnett County Detention Center in the PayTel system.

Step 4: Enter the inmate information. You will need the person’s full legal name and inmate ID number.

Step 5: Choose a deposit amount and payment method. PayTel will show you the service fee before you confirm. Review the total and submit.

Step 6: Confirm the deposit. PayTel sends a confirmation. The person’s account is typically credited within a short time after the transaction goes through.

Call (910) 893-0257 before your first deposit to confirm accepted payment methods and whether there are any deposit limits or account holds.

What the Money Covers

Money deposited through PayTel goes to the person’s account and can be used for:

• Commissary: Food, hygiene items, clothing, writing materials, and other authorized items from the facility store. Orders are placed via kiosk inside the facility and submitted two days in advance.
• Phone calls: Calls through PayTel from the facility tablets. See the phone calls guide for how the call system works.
• Messaging: Secure messages through inteleMESSAGE cost $0.50 per message, sent and received on the tablet.

Indigent Inmates

Inmates who cannot afford commissary basics receive a set of items from the facility at no cost. This typically includes:

• Basic hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
• Writing materials (paper and pen)
• Stamps for outgoing mail

If the person has no funds on their account and asks for indigent supplies, they should speak with housing staff.

Commissary Ordering

Harnett County uses an in-facility kiosk system for commissary. The person submits their order through the kiosk inside their housing pod or a common area. Orders must be submitted approximately two days before the scheduled delivery. This means money you deposit needs to be on the account before the kiosk order cutoff for that week’s delivery cycle. Depositing as early as possible avoids your family member missing an order period.

Fees

PayTel charges a service fee on deposits. The fee depends on the deposit amount and payment method. The fee is displayed before you confirm the transaction, so you will see the total cost upfront. Call (910) 893-0257 if you want to know the current fee schedule before setting up an account.

When Funds Credit

Deposits made online through paytel.com typically credit to the account quickly after the transaction is confirmed. If the person does not see funds on their account within 24 hours, check your PayTel transaction history first, then contact PayTel support.

Troubleshooting a Failed Deposit

If a deposit does not appear on the account:

1. Confirm you entered the correct inmate ID number.
2. Confirm the person is still in custody at Harnett County (not transferred or released) using the inmate search.
3. Check the PayTel transaction history in your account.
4. Contact PayTel support through paytel.com.
5. Call (910) 893-0257 if the deposit is still missing after 24 hours.

Account Holds

The facility may place a hold on an account for disciplinary reasons, court-ordered fines, or restitution. If the person cannot access deposited funds, they should speak with housing staff to understand the reason. As the depositor, contact PayTel support or call (910) 893-0257 for guidance on your options.

What Happens If the Person Is Transferred or Released

If the person is transferred to another facility, contact PayTel to ask about fund transfer procedures. Funds do not always follow automatically when a person moves to a different provider’s system. If they are released, remaining account funds are typically disbursed according to the facility’s policy, which may include a check issued at release or a refund to the original payment method.

Call (910) 893-0257 for the facility’s specific policy on funds upon release or transfer.

Sending Money Without a PayTel Account

If you cannot use paytel.com, call (910) 893-0257 to ask about alternative deposit options such as a lobby kiosk or money order. Not all PayTel facilities have a lobby kiosk, but staff can tell you what options are available at Harnett County.