What kinds of scams are targeting families?
From fake phone calls to urgent demands for money, scammers are contacting families and pretending to be jail staff or licensed bondsmen.
Amigo Bail Bonds owner Salomon Dionicio says he hears from victims almost every week.
“We’ve had numerous calls from family members, mothers and fathers claiming that they were scammed by somebody at the jail or somebody claiming to be a bail bondsman demanding money for the release of somebody from jail, whether it’s to equip them with an ankle monitor or for their release on some old fines,” Dionicio said.
Scammers often push victims to send money immediately through Cash App, gift cards or online transfers.
How can people tell if a call from a bondsman is fake?
Dionicio says a legitimate bondsman won’t call out of the blue demanding money.
“Unless you’ve dealt with a bondsman in the past, then nobody should be calling you out of the blue, demanding money,” Dionicio said.
He says scammers also try to meet people in random or unsafe places.
“Never attempt to meet people outside of either the jail, or courthouse, or their office. Don’t meet them at a QuikTrip, or don’t meet them in a random place at the casino,” Dionicio said.
What is the only legitimate way to bond someone out of jail?
The real process must happen in person, either at the bondsman’s office or at the jail.
A legitimate process includes:
- Meeting the bondsman face-to-face
- Checking their official bail bond identification
- Signing paperwork guaranteeing the person will appear in court
- Paying the legal fee — typically 10 percent of the bond amount
- The bondsman posting the bond at the jail
- The person being released, usually within a few hours
How can families make sure a bondsman is legitimate?
You can verify a bondsman by visiting the Oklahoma Bondsman Association website, where you can look them up by county to confirm they’re licensed.
What other scams should people watch for?
Officials say to be cautious of anyone claiming to be from law enforcement who calls and says you have a warrant and must pay immediately to avoid arrest.
Law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone.
If you receive that kind of call, experts say the best thing to do is simple: Hang up.
