Beware Of These Common Bail Bond Scams in Florida. Don’t Blindly Give Your Money To Someone Before You Do Your Homework

Law Enforcement Warns Florida Resident Of These Common Bail Bond Scams in Florida:

• Solicitation Scam: A “bondsman” calls you out of the blue claiming a loved one is in jail. In Florida, it is illegal for bail bond agents to proactively solicit business from families of arrestees.
• Law Enforcement Impersonation: Scammers also pose as deputies or detectives. He or she may often use names of real employees found on agency websites. The scammer will tell you a loved one has been arrested. They will demand immediate payment to avoid jail or for an “ankle monitor”.
• The “Reduced Rate” Trap: Scammers offer bond premiums significantly lower than the state-mandated 10% (e.g., a “4% special”).
• Fake Error/Revocation Scam: This happens after you post a legitimate bond. A scammer calls claiming there was a “paperwork error.” The scammer may also claim that the bond will be revoked unless more money is sent immediately.
• Grandparent Scam: This is a common scam. Scammers target elderly residents. They pretend to be a grandchild in legal trouble who needs bail money urgently. 

Major Red Flags:

• Unsolicited Contact: You receive a call about an arrest before you have even contacted a bondsman.
• Pressure Tactics: Demands for “immediate” payment to prevent bail from doubling or to secure a “one-hour” release.
• Untraceable Payment Methods: Demands for payment via Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers. Legitimate Florida bondsmen typically accept cash, credit, or debit cards at their physical office.
• Lack of Physical Office: The “bondsman” wants to meet in a parking lot or only operates via phone/web. Florida law mandates that bail bond agents must have a physical office.

How to Protect Yourself:

1. Hang Up and Verify: Have you received a suspicious call? You should hang up and call the jail or law enforcement agency directly.
2. Verify the License: The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires Florida bondsman be licensed. You should also ask for their license number and verify it on the DFS website.
3. Confirm the Fee: Florida law sets bail bond premiums at 10% of the bond amount (or $100 for bonds under $1,000). Anything higher or significantly lower is likely a scam.
4. Demand Paperwork: You should also never pay without receiving a signed contract and an itemized receipt. 

Where to Report Fraud:

• Florida Department of Financial Services: File a complaint on the MyFloridaCFO website.
• Florida Attorney General: Report scams at MyFloridaLegal.com.