When you hear that someone you love has been arrested, your first instinct is to help them. You wouldn’t want them to sit in jail longer than they have to. Most people will do whatever they have to, to get a loved one home and out on bail. But what if that family member isn’t really in jail? What if it is all a scam? Ajua Bail Bonds would like to share some tips to help you avoid getting scammed by someone claiming to need bail money.
Be Weary of Phone Calls Asking for Bail Money
If you get a phone call saying that someone you love has been arrested, it can cause instant panic. You mind may start racing, trying to figure out how you can help. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be someone you love and talking in a muffled voice, claiming they have been arrested and need you to get them money to get out of jail, think twice. This could be a scam.
If Bail Amount Sounds Too Good to Be True, It More Than Likely Is
If a bail bond agency is offering rates that are unreasonably low, chances are, there is a catch somewhere. State laws regulate how much a bail bonds agency can charge and if this agency is coming in significantly lower than other agencies, there is a good chance that they are operating illegally. You don’t want to end up getting burned because you didn’t listen to your gut. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is just that.
Fake Warrant Phone Calls
There is also a scam out there where someone poses as an officer of the law. They claim that there is a warrant out for your arrest unless you pay a certain amount of money right away. They usually want the money sent via Western Union or by use of a credit card over the phone. Don’t fall for it!
How to Avoid Bail Bond Scammers
• You will not be approached or called by a bail bonds agency. The person that calls you is the defendant, and they will more than likely be asking for your help in finding a good bail bond agency to work with them and get them out of jail.
• You should never send money via Western Union to anybody you don’t know. Make sure you are talking directly to an agent and meet in person if it is at all possible.
• If you get a supposed call from a family member in trouble, do some research first. Maybe they would know different facts about you or the family that nobody else could answer. Find a way to make sure it is them before you get pulled into a scam.
• Before working with a bail bonds agency, do some research and make sure they are a legitimate company that works within the law.
Bail Bond Services to Get You or Your Loved One Out of Jail in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced County, Visalia & Tulare County, Hanford & Kings County, Madera County and the Central Valley of California
Having a family member in trouble is an awful feeling. It is worse, if the whole situation is just a way to scam you out of your money. If you truly know of a loved one or family member that is in jail and needs help, Ajua Bail Bonds can help get them home as quickly as possible. Call us today!
