Bail bonds are an important part of our legal system. Many people turn to bail bonds to get them out of jail when they can’t afford their bail. However, because not everyone knows about how bails work, and because people will do anything for a dollar – there’s a chance you could be the victim of bail bond fraud. Bail bond fraud scams are all over the place, and they can happen to anyone. If you’re unsure of how to spot them, that’s understandable – a lot of these cons are quite elaborate. You don’t have to be scammed though! You can never go wrong with our affordable bondsman who cares about customer service and reputation.
Bail Bonds Explained
Bail bonds typically work as a legal agreement between the defendant, or arrestee, and their friend or family member in order to guarantee freedom from jail until their court date arrives. The agreement is made in exchange for a payment of money, and typically the defendant must pay a portion of their bail amount as a guarantee that they will show up to court. Here are some tips to avoid bail bond fraud scams.
Be Careful With Calls
The scam works by someone calling you claiming to be from a bail bond agency. The scammer will tell you that you need to pay your court docket fee, and then send the agent money in a money order. You should never send money if you’re unsure of the person or company that you’re dealing with. If you’ve already sent money, the best thing you could do is to file a complaint with the FTC.
You should always get a written contract before sending money to a bail agent. Most bail agents will tell you that there would be a “guarantee” that the money paid to them would be returned – but in most cases, the company never has enough money to cover your bail because their own customers have to pay the bonds first.
Most Common Scams
The most common scams include money order scams, bail bondsmen who want you to pay protection money, and bail bondsmen who will ask you for a fee if you don’t use their services.
In the first scam – the bail bond agent will tell you that it’s “required” by law to pay a “court docket fee” for filing your bond. Whatever they tell you – it’s not true as the fees as set by courts. Another scam is when the bail bond agent tells you to pay a “protection fee” to prevent your bond from being used for collateral. Never let a bail agent convince you to pay extra “protection” for your bond to prevent it from being used as collateral.
How To Choose A Trustworthy Bail Bond Company
While there are plenty of bail bond companies all around, not all will give the same level of service or professionalism. Some may rush through the process, some may not be available 24 hours a day, and some might be out to scam you.
Right Credentials
Find out if the bail bond agency members are bonded and licensed. The majority of agencies are usually bonded, but they could also have insurance policies that protect their clients, staff, and business interests. Familiarize yourself with the requirements for bail bonds agents, and make sure the company you’re considering is in compliance.
Accessible 24 Hours A Day
A great bail bond company provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This can be a huge help if you get arrested and need to be bailed out as soon as possible.
Whether you are having a good day or a bad day, it can be stressful when you are arrested and need to be bailed out. A compassionate staff can make a big difference in how you will feel during this time.
A Track Record Of Success
Anyone can set up a bail bond company and start taking clients. However, a good bail bond company has years of experience and success, having helped many people with their bail bond needs.
Reputable
When choosing a bail bond company, look for one that has been established for some time, as this will signal that it is safe and reputable. Bail bond companies should also have several resources available such as a dedicated telephone line or office support workers who can answer your every question. If you are arrested, it is a good idea to speak with more than one bail bond company. This makes it possible to weigh options before choosing the agency that best suits your needs.
