If you’re trying to bail a loved one out of jail, you might feel compelled to choose a company right away without properly investigating them. Unfortunately, bail bond scams are real and they target defendants and their family members all the time. Here are a few of the most common bail bond scams you might encounter and what you can do to keep yourself and your information from falling prey to them.
“Cheap” Bonds
This might seem obvious to some, but it bears repeating: if a bail bond agency’s quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Agencies with suspiciously low quotes will often hit you with hidden fees or mandatory collateral after the contract has already been signed. You’ll probably even end up paying more with a “cheap” agency than you would with a reputable, higher priced agency. Always make sure an agency is reputable and truthful before working with them so you can avoid falling victim to “cheap” bonds.
Phony Bail Bondsmen
Scammers posing as bail bondsmen will often send emails to police officers or other legal authorities until one of them clicks the attached link or file. The attachment will install spyware and give the scammer access to arrest and bail records, which they’ll use to email co-signers and ask them for more money under the excuse that something is wrong with the case. Don’t answer unsolicited emails from anyone claiming to be a bondsman. Legitimate bondsmen don’t look for new clients through email, so any you receive are likely to be a scam.
The Grandchild Scam
The grandchild scam is a common bail bond scam usually aimed at the elderly. The scammer will call elderly people and tell them their grandchildren have been arrested and need to be bailed out. They’ll often say they couldn’t reach anybody else, and that the grandparent is the only one who can bail them out. Protective grandparents can easily fall victim to this scam and end up handing over large amounts of money.
How to Stay Protected
There are a few ways you can keep yourself safe from these common bail bond scams. First, always be skeptical when looking into any business you don’t know much about. Never assume a company is reputable without verifying their information. If an agency tries to market themselves to you through unsolicited emails, phone calls or text messages, don’t respond and don’t click on any links they might send. Before working with a company, ask for proof of their licensing or insurance.
You should also always protect your personal information and never give it out if something feels off to you. A reputable agency will never ask for your social security number, home address, or credit card number over the phone.
Get Out of Jail Fast With ABC Bail Bonds
If you need to bail a loved one out of jail as soon as possible, call ABC Bail Bonds. Our experienced bail bondsmen are available 24/7 to help you and your loved ones whenever you call. Hire ABC Bail Bonds today and see why we’re the most trusted bail bondsmen around!
