Alabama law enforcement agencies are warning local residents about a surge in bail bond phone scams after several families lost thousands of dollars to fraudsters impersonating bail bondsmen and law enforcement officials.
The scam typically begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a bail bondsman, deputy, or jail official who tells the victim that a loved one has been arrested and needs bail money immediately.
Scammers obtain information about recent arrests from publicly available jail rosters and then use online databases to locate contact information for family members. They often use pressure tactics and threats of increased charges to force quick decisions without verification.
How the Scam Targets Victims
Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said the scam has resurfaced in recent weeks, with approximately 10 to 12 people contacted and at least two confirmed victims who sent money, according to WBRC.
In one case, an elderly woman in her 90s received a call claiming her grandson was jailed and could be released if she sent money. She contacted her son before making the payment, preventing the loss.
The scammers create a sense of urgency and demand payment through untraceable methods such as Venmo, CashApp, gift cards, or wire transfers. Victims are often instructed to make electronic payments through PayPal or meet at stores like Walgreens to complete transactions.
One grandmother in Lake County, Florida, made two trips to a local Walgreens and lost approximately $450 before discovering the scam. Elderly individuals are especially targeted because scammers exploit family loyalty and emotional vulnerability during moments of crisis.
How to Protect Yourself and Report the Scam
Police emphasize that legitimate bail bond companies will never cold-call family members to solicit payment. Law enforcement agencies do not request bail money over the phone and will never ask for payment through gift cards, Venmo, Apple Pay, or similar electronic methods, CBS News reported.
Additionally, licensed bail bondsmen always provide written contracts, verifiable licenses, and industry-standard fees of about 10 percent.
Authorities urge residents who receive suspicious calls to hang up immediately and verify information by contacting the jail directly. The Broward Sheriff's Office recommends calling the main jail facility or visiting official websites to confirm an arrest before sending any money. Establishing a family code word that only real relatives know can help prevent impersonation attempts.
Catherine Crespo, a bail bonds agent with 35 years of experience, said she hears about these scams approximately five times per week. She stressed that if someone calls claiming to be from a police agency requesting bond payment, it is definitely a scam.
Residents who believe they have been targeted should report the incident to local law enforcement immediately and warn family members and caregivers about the fraud. Police also recommend reporting scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, as per WFTV.
