Bail Bond Scams Are on the Rise. Here Are The Things You Need To Watch Out For!

Have you ever wondered about what bail bond scams are out there? Or, how they can affect you or your loved ones? The risks are real from solicitations for bail bonds to fake bail bond companies. We have seen and heard it all!

Learn about the consequences of falling for a bail bond scam and essential tips on how to protect yourself. Stay informed by reading about bail scams and safeguard your rights!

Bail Bond Scams Key Takeaways:

• Watch out for solicitation for bail bonds, it is illegal in every state and a common scam.
• Be aware of hidden fees. Bail bondsmen can only charge 10% of the bond under Florida law.
• Bail bondsmen also cannot reduce the bail amount.
• Ask questions! Any reputable bail bondsman would have no problem producing their bail license.
• Beware of people calling requesting all cash or to send gift cards via email.
• Also, beware of people saying to meet somewhere other than their office.
• Florida law mandate a bondsman must have a physical office to accept payment and/or collateral.

What Are the Common Bail Bond Scams?

One of the most common bail bond scams involves various deceptive practices that exploit vulnerable individuals.

One prevalent type of bail bond scam is the grandparent bail scam. This is where scammers target elderly individuals. They pretend to be their grandchild in legal trouble and in need of bail money.

You should always get the information of the person calling you claiming to be a bail bondsman or police officer. This includes their name, business name or department and telephone number.

Then do this:

• Call the person who is alleged to be in jail. Can’t reach this person…
• Call someone else in your group or another family member.
• Do a search on the company name, you’ll find a phone number – see if it matches. If not, call that business and ask for that bondsman. More than likely they don’t exist. Or if you don’t want to call the company, call the police.
• Call the police in your city. Explain the phone call you received. The police will have an easier time of finding someone in custody. The police, sheriff and call center staff all know about this scam and will be willing to help.

Someone making false promises is another common tactic scammers use. The fake bail bondsman will make unrealistic guarantees to secure business. Then, they disappear once the money is collected.

Impersonation scams involve posing as law enforcement or court officials. Scammers want to pressure individuals into paying for unnecessary or fake bail services. These deceptive practices underscore the importance of thoroughly vetting bail bond agencies before engaging with them.

Solicitation for Bail Bonds

Bail bondsmen soliciting business is the common tactic used by scammers and unscrupulous bail bondsmen. They like to target individuals in need of bail assistance. 

SOLICITATION FOR BAIL IS ILLEGAL IN FLORIDA AND OTHER STATES!

Scammers who solicit people for bail bonds often prey on vulnerable individuals. They take advantage of the urgency and emotional vulnerability of those seeking bail help. Thus, they manipulate them into paying exorbitant fees and signing often bogus agreements.

It is also crucial for individuals in such situations to exercise caution. They should also thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any bail bond service before engaging with them. This can help protect against falling victim to scams and ensure that their financial well-being and legal rights are safeguarded.

Hidden Bail Fees

Hidden fees in bail bonds can also lead to unexpected financial burdens for people seeking bail assistance. As a result, it highlights the importance of transparency in contractual agreements.

In addition, these hidden fees are often tucked away in the fine print. As a result, this catches defendants and co-signors off guard with exorbitant charges that were not initially disclosed.

False Promises of Reduced Bail Amount

Scammers may make false promises of reducing the bail amount. This is done to lure in desperate family members. Many times, it leads to financial losses and legal consequences.

Deceptive tactics can have profound implications on both families and individuals who fall victim to their schemes.

It is crucial to thoroughly verify the credibility of any claims made by those offering to assist with bail reduction. Therefore, taking the time to conduct proper research can prevent irreversible financial repercussions and safeguard against potential legal risks.

Ask for Proof of License

You should also request a copy of the bail bondsman’s license. This is a crucial step in ensuring the legitimacy and compliance of the service provider.

Verifying bail bondsman’s license also ensures that they have met the necessary legal requirements to practice in the field. These requirements vary by state. However, bail bondsmen undergo specific training and passing exams. As a result, it proves they are adhering to strict regulations set forth by the state’s Department of Insurance.

By checking the authenticity of the bail bond agent’s license, cosignors can protect themselves from falling victim to unlicensed or a bail scam.

Verifying a bail bonds company or agent takes just minutes. Simply by requesting the license number from the “bondsman” you’re talking with, checking with the state’s Department of Insurance and verifying the information online through official state corporate search databases.

Understand the Bail Bond Process

To reiterate, it is against the law in all states to solicit bail! No professional “bail bondsman” would ever call a family member about paying bail for someone who is locked up. If you get this type of call, ask for their details and call the police and file a report. Stopping this behavior is important to protect others in your community.

Knowing how bail works in Florida helps a person to remain cautious of unsolicited offers, particularly in instances like the grandchild scam, is essential to avoid falling victim to deceptive practices and financial exploitation in the bail bond industry.

Staying vigilant against such fraudulent solicitations is crucial. Therefore, you should always verify the legitimacy of offers and consult trusted sources. You should be alert to high-pressure sales tactics.

Report Suspicious Activity

Has a fake bail bondsman scammed scammed you out of money? Has a fake or unscrupulous bail bondsman contacted you soliciting business? Reach out to the experts at Bad Girls Bail Bonds. We’ll help get them shut down! Feel free to contact us at 407.777.4155 or 305.871.1950.