Getting arrested, for most individuals, can be unexpected, something they did not plan on. When arrested, many people realize there are many things they do not know. One of the first things people ask when they’re arrested is, “how much is my bail going to be?”

But the answer to this question is not simple.

Bail can vary depending upon many factors, some of which might be random and beyond your control. In some cases, people might be released before they’ve posted bail. However, it helps to know how the system works as it helps identify and avoid prevalent bail scams.

The Cold Call

Cold calls usually start with a random person calling your phone and telling you that a family member, friend, or loved one has been arrested. They are also likely to mention that they are a bail bondsman.

End the call immediately. Do not ask for details as legitimate bondsmen do not cold call.
Cold callers rely on the call recipient panicking and acting irrationally. Hang up the phone and try contacting the person they claimed had been arrested.

If you’re unable to reach the person, try getting in touch with other people who might be aware of their whereabouts. If this is also unsuccessful, try calling local jails to see if they’re, in fact, locked up.

The Fake Error

This is another bail bond scam where fraudsters scam people over the phone. This method usually involves a person getting a random call and being told that their loved one has made a mistake and not paid the total amount of their fake bond.

They ask to be paid right away and threaten that your loved one will go to jail in case you fail to do as asked.
Some fake callers might claim that they require an immediate wire transfer to prevent your loved one’s bond from being revoked. The scammers cause confusion and panic to make their target act hastily and transfer the money.

Threatening Behavior

Often bail bond agents resort to abuse of power and threats to force their clients. Some cases have even gone as far as kidnapping carried out by bail bond agents.

By law, bail bond companies cannot detain you unless there is a warrant for your arrest. Knowing the laws and regulations regarding bail bonds is essential to save oneself from being fooled.

Pay Over the Phone

This is, quite simply, a lie. Since contracts cannot be signed over a call, promises made over the phone will simply not be held up. Most legitimate bail bond companies are likely to have an office and will ask you to come in for a meeting so that they can discuss terms.

How to avoid being scammed:

1. Don’t fall for discounts:

Bondsmen operate by charging 10% of the total bail amount and paying the bail value in full to have the person released.

The arrested person is obligated to show up at all court dates, and the bondmen get their money back at the end.
Bail bonds are cheaper than paying the total price, but some scammers try and lure people by offering discounts.

While this does sound appealing, it is more than likely that any offers of the sort are scam attempts, and it is better to stay away.

2. Check for the license:

Any person who operates as a bail bondsman must be registered and licensed. Agents are supposed to have their license on them at all times.

You can simply ask a bondsman to show their license as a client. If they refuse to show the license or make excuses, it is best to avoid them altogether.

3. Legal paperwork:

Working with a bail bondsman includes proper legal procedures, which means that you need to fill out paperwork as a client. Agents require and ask for I.D. and employment verification and other important information.

If a bondsman says that everything can be done over the phone, they are lying.

4. Run an Online Background Check:

With the internet being available to us all the time, one of the easiest things to do is a background check. They are guaranteed to have some form of online presence and might even have reviews regarding their services.

5. Get a receipt:

When a bondsman accepts payment from you, they are bound to provide a receipt. The receipt is proof of payment and any legitimate bondsman will offer one.

Ask for one if one is not provided to you. Ensure that you are listed as the one paying the money and that the defendant is also correctly listed.

6. Do not co-sign for strangers:

If a bail bondsman asks you to co-sign for someone you do not know personally, just refuse. Even if you are familiar with the person, you’re being asked to co-sign for, only co-sign the agreement if you trust the individual.

Co-signing makes you financially liable if the person does not appear in court.

7. Cash escrow should be returned

Cash escrows are used when no one is available to co-sign or if the bond is considered high-risk. This is to secure the amount if the defendant misses any of their court dates.

The cash is kept in a separate escrow account just in case. The bondsman uses the money to pay for bounty hunters.
However, if the defendant punctually shows up to all court dates, the escrow will be returned after closing the case. If any bondsmen refuse to return the escrow, a complaint should be made to the local authorities.

Bail bonds are a sensitive subject involving people getting arrested for several reasons. This usually causes a domino effect of people acting hastily or not thinking things through.

Bail bondsmen may try to get people to pay up by creating confusion and spreading panic, oftentimes threatening that a loved one will go to jail or that the bail amount is insufficient.

Since bail bonds are legal proceedings, there is proper paperwork and a procedure to follow. Most scammers try and avoid these things, trying to offer ‘discounts’ or asking their clients to trust them when they do not provide receipts and proper evidence of the procedure.

To stay safe from these scammers, it is best to learn how the system works and the correct procedures. Only trusted, verified, and licensed bondsmen should be called upon to do the job. If you get a call that your loved one has been arrested, do not agree to pay anyone right away.

Instead of panicking, try and remain calm as you try to contact your loved one and check in on local jails. If you act rationally, your chances of getting scammed are a lot lower.