Bail Bond Scam Alert: Bail Bond Scammers Are Targeting Marion County Families

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office issued a Bail Bond Scam Alert! The Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of a recent scam involving bail bonds.

The sheriff’s office stated that deputies have received reports of scammers posing as bail bondsmen. These scammers are targeting unsuspecting individuals who have loved ones in jail.

The scammers are looking up individuals who are in jail and calling their family members. The scammers are then asking family members to pay the bond.

Legitimate bail bond companies may contact individuals this way. However, MCSO stressed that it is crucial to verify the legitimacy of the company before sending any money.

Marion County Residents Should Follow These Steps To Protect Themselves:

• Get the name of the bail bond company – Ask for the name of the company the caller works for and tell them that you will call them back.
• Verify independently – Look up the company online to check reviews and confirm their credentials, and then call them directly using the phone number that you find – not the number that the caller provided.
• Visit the company in person – The Florida Department of Finance requires that bail bond companies have a physical office in order to have a bail bonds license. Consider visiting the company’s office to verify their legitimacy.

In addition, if someone claiming to be a bail bondsmen asks for payment through a mobile app, the sheriff’s office states that it is likely a scam. Legitimate bail bond services typically accept traditional forms of payment and operate through established channels.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office concluded the social media post by reminding residents that they can protect themselves by staying vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of any requests for payment.

“Spread the word to help others avoid falling victim to these scams,” added the sheriff’s office.