Tracking the Companies that Have a Lock on Sending Funds to Incarcerated People

The Hidden Cost of Incarceration: How Fee-Heavy Companies Dominate the Prison Finance System

Incarceration Impacts Everyone

Incarceration, also known as imprisonment, extends beyond being a mere punishment for those convicted of crimes. It casts a wide net of impact, affecting not only those who are imprisoned but also their families and loved ones. A significant hurdle faced by these families is the arduous and costly process of sending and receiving money from incarcerated individuals. Sadly, this necessity has given rise to a costly market niche, wherein a few companies have monopolized the industry and come under scrutiny for their high fees.

The Rise of JPay: A Game Changer or Unjust Monopoly?

JPay is a name familiar to many in the prison finance sector. This private company supplies digital services to thousands of inmates across the United States, offering amenities such as email, video visitation, and most notably, digital money transfers. The convenience JPay claims to provide, however, comes with a steep price. The high fees associated with their services, combined with the lack of competition in many states, have drawn widespread criticism from both inmates and their families. Their concerns center around how these costs quickly add up, exacerbating the financial strain on families already stretched thin.

Union Supply Direct: Another Player in the Mix

Union Supply Direct stands as another dominant company in this arena, focusing on goods and services designed for the prison setting. It serves as a key supplier of commissary items, promoting savings for taxpayers and offering a broad array of products. Yet, even as these services are vital, the issue of monopolistic practices still lurks in the background, leaving inmates and families with few, if any, choices.

Your Thoughts Matter

How do we untangle the web of financial strain experienced by families and inmates due to high transactional fees? Is the solution more competition, or perhaps stronger regulatory oversight to ensure fair practice? We would love to hear your thoughts! Engage with us by leaving a comment below. Have experiences or stories to share? Are there other companies offering better services at a lower rate?

Join the Conversation!

Let’s bring this issue to light and advocate for change. Share this post with your friends and family on social media. Let’s work together towards a system where financial transactions for incarcerated individuals and their families are fair, competitive, and just.

Read more about this developing issue here: [Source Link](https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2022/mar/1/show-me-money-tracking-companies-have-lock-sending-funds-incarcerated-people/)