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Don't Get Caught in a Bail Bond Scam: How to Avoid Being a Victim

The stakes are high when you're faced with paying bail to get a loved one out of jail. Finding a legitimate, reputable bail bondsman is critical to avoid being a victim of a bail bond scam - but with so many shady operations out there, it can be difficult to figure out who you can trust. That's why we've put together this guide of tips and information on how to spot and avoid bail bond scams. Read on to learn more about the warning signs to watch out for and the steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

What is a Bail Bond Scam?

One of the most common types of bail bond scams is when a bail bondsman charges an excessively high price for their services, above and beyond legal standards for the jurisdiction in which they operate. This kind of scam is often targeted at people in vulnerable positions who don't have a complete understanding of their rights, or the cost of securing a bail bond.


Other common scams involve the bail bondsman not delivering on the services that were agreed upon. After the fee has been paid but no one is released from jail, the bail bondsman may disappear, scam the victim out of their money, or take some form of advantage of the victim's crisis.

Warning Signs of a Bail Bond Scam

Bail bond scams, also known as "bond jumping," are unfortunately becoming more and more common. To protect yourself from becoming a victim of a scam, it's important to be aware of the warning signs and to stay educated on how to avoid them. 


  • Unlicensed Companies: Genuine bail bond agencies must be licensed and bonded. In many states, all licensed bail bond companies must be members of the state bail agents association. Check with the association in your state if you are unsure. 
  • Up-Front Payment Requests: Bail bond agents require some kind of collateral in order to secure their payment when a defendant fails to show up to court, such as real estate, vehicles, cash, or jewelry. Reputable agents will never require full payment upfront.
  • Excessive Fees: Bail bond agencies won’t charge more than the amount mandated by the court. Avoid anyone who seems to be attempting to offer a “discount” that ultimately puts you at a financial disadvantage. 
  • Pushy Agents: Genuine bail bond agents will not pressure or rush you into making a decision on the spot. They will be open and honest about their services and explain them in detail so you know what you are getting into.
  • Unfamiliar Terms: In some cases, scammers may use legal terminology to try to appear legitimate but do not provide valid contracts or documents. Be aware of unfamiliar terms or documents that do not appear to be legal.
  • Poor or Limited Contact Information: A reputable bail bond company should have a website and list contact information prominently. If the company can only be contacted via email or text message, it is likely not a legitimate business. 


Bail bond scams can seem like legitimate offers and circumstances, but it is important to be aware of warning signs before entering into an agreement. Understanding common bait tactics, learning the legalities of a bail bond process, and verifying the credentials of any bail bondsman you may interact with are essential steps in protecting yourself from fraud. Taking these precautions and erring on the side of caution is the best way to protect yourself and ensure you don't fall prey to a bail bond scam.

Tips for Avoiding Bail Bond Scams

When you are in need of a bail bond it is important to make sure to select a professional, reliable bail bond agent. Unscrupulous individuals often take advantage of people in need and scam them out of their money. To help protect yourself, here are some tips for avoiding bail bond scams. 


  • Research if the bail bondsman is legitimate: Thoroughly research any bail bondsman or bail bond agency you are considering doing business with. Check with your local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau for any history of complaints.
  • Don’t pay upfront fees: Legitimate bail bond agencies should never ask for pre-payment of fees. Fees should only be paid after the transaction has been completed.
  • Be wary of high-pressure sales techniques: If you feel like you’re being pressured into signing something or paying money before you have time to thoroughly review the terms and conditions, walk away.
  • Read the small print: Make sure to read through every detail of a bail bond agreement. Make sure you understand the consequences of not adhering to the agreement and other risks associated with the agreement.
  • Get referrals and shop around: Speak with friends, family, your lawyer, and bail bondsman organizations to get referrals and shop around for the best services and options. 
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions: If you don’t understand something, or aren’t clear about the terms of the agreement, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Legitimate bail bond agencies and agents should be happy to answer any of your queries.
  • Don't agree to anything without reading the contract: Some bail bond companies try to charge more than what is allowed by the state. Read the contract and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.
  • Be wary of any unsolicited offers: Some bail bond companies may offer their services via email or phone calls. If this happens, be aware of potential scammers who may try to pressure you into signing a contract. 


In conclusion, avoiding a bail bond scam takes research and knowledge. When someone needs help with bail bonds, it's important to take the time to research their reputation, integrity, experience, and other information about their business. The wrong bail bonds company can cause more harm than good, so make sure to do the research, ask questions, and never pay a deposit without paperwork. A legitimate bail bondsman is the best option to help someone get out of jail quickly, as well as protect them from potential scams and any other risks associated with bail bond services.

Rely on 62 Years of Experience for Jail Release: G-L Mackins Bonding Company

Located in Charlotte, NC, G-L Mackins Bonding Company is a family-owned and operated business that has been helping people secure bail for 62 years. We understand how stressful and difficult it can be to deal with the paperwork and legal aspects of getting a friend or loved one out of jail. That's why we strive to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. 


At G-L Mackins Bonding Company, you can call us at (704) 334-9600, 24/7 to address your questions and concerns. We are committed to offering superior service and competitive prices to ensure that you receive the assistance you need in a timely and cost-effective manner. 


We understand the importance of having a speedy jail release, and are attentive to our client's needs and dedicated to providing the best possible experience. So if you or someone you know needs help with a jail release, you can trust G-L Mackins Bonding Company to provide you with the highest quality of service.

Discover the Various Types of Felony Bail Bonds: What You Need to Know

19 Apr, 2023
When a defendant has been arrested for a felony charge, they likely have many questions and concerns about their case. In most cases, the defendant will need to obtain a bond to be released from jail. Bonds allow the court to reduce or entirely drop the bail amount in exchange for the promise that the defendant will appear in court when necessary. There are many different types of bonds that may be available, depending on the place of residence and the criminal charge. A professional bail bondsman will provide the necessary resources and advice to figure out the best option. There are different types of felony bail bonds, including cash bail, surety bond, release on recognizance, and unsecured bail. Cash bail requires that the full amount of bail to be paid in cash to the court, and the money will be refunded when the court case is over. Surety bonds involve a bail bondsman acting as a guarantor, agreeing that the defendant will appear in court and pay a fee for the service. Release on recognizance (ROR) is the least common type of bond, and it requires no money or collateral to be paid. An unsecured bond is when the defendant or someone acting for the defendant promises to repay the bail amount set by the court if the defendant does not show up for the hearing. By understanding the different types of felony bail bonds, defendants can make an informed decision about how to handle their bond. Professional bail bondsman can help walk individuals through the process of obtaining and understanding a bond to increase their chances of making bail.

The Benefits of Having a Co-Signer on Your Bail Bond in Charlotte, NC

21 Mar, 2023
When you find yourself in a tight spot, having a bail bondsman you can trust can make the difference between spending the night in jail and being released to the comfort of your own home. Most bail bond services require a co-signer in order to secure a bail bond. While this additional requirement can seem daunting, it is actually very beneficial. In this post, we’ll explore the advantages of having a co-signer on your bail bond in Charlotte, NC.

Types of Bail Bonds and How G-L Mackins Bonding Company Can Help

25 Feb, 2023
Bail bonds are a way to pay for a person’s release from jail before they stand trial. You might need to post bail if you’ve been arrested or otherwise charged with a crime. No matter what the charge or type of bond, G-L Mackins Bonding Company can help. We offer four types of bail bonds in the Charlotte and Gastonia, NC area: misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, and surety bonds. Contact us today at 704-334-9600 to get started.

Breaking Bail Bonds: Understanding the Risks

03 Feb, 2023
When someone is arrested, they may be released from custody if a bail bond is posted by a professional bail bondsman who agrees to take financial responsibility for them, so long as they abide by the terms of the bail agreement. If the individual fails to comply with the terms of the bond, it puts them at risk of serious legal consequences. Knowing what could happen if one chooses to break bail is an important part of ensuring someone understands the repercussions of their actions. It’s important for anyone who is arrested and released on bail to fully understand the risks associated with breaking bail bonds. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the consequences of breaking a bail bond. Whether this is your case or someone you know is going through this, understanding what could happen could be the difference between being held responsible and not. It's crucial to consult with a bail bond professional to discuss the best path forward when navigating the bail bond process.

Tips for Dealing with Bail Bond Issues

14 Jan, 2023
When faced with the prospect of a loved one being arrested, dealing with bail bond issues can be overwhelming. The legal process and the challenges involved in posting bail can seem insurmountable at times. However, there are ways to make this process easier. We will provide you with some tips for dealing with bail bond issues. We will discuss ways to make the process less daunting and provide advice on how to ensure that your loved one is released from jail quickly. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your loved one receives their freedom as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about tips for dealing with bail bond issues.

Common Causes of Arrest and How Bail Helps Alleviate the Stress of It

04 Jan, 2023
The situation of getting arrested can be a daunting experience. It can be especially stress-provoking and confusing when you or a loved one must post bail after an arrest has been made. Knowing the cause, legal recourse, and how to properly handle bail are just some of the tasks that need to be addressed in any arrest situation. With this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of arrest and how to prepare for bail. Arrest and bail are most often the results of someone being wrongfully accused of a criminal act or a violation of civil law. Unfortunately, even when innocent, the arrest process and accompanying bail must still be handled for proper resolution of the case. In some cases, the responsibility of bail can become a financial strain on the person in need or their family. Knowing the causes of arrest and how bail works can help alleviate this additional stress.

Misdemeanor Bonds: What You Need to Know

24 Dec, 2022
Being arrested and charged with a misdemeanor can have serious consequences. Not only are they punishable by hefty fines and even jail time, but they can also cause long-term damage to an individual’s reputation. This is why many people turn to a Misdemeanor Bond to get released from jail or reduce their sentence. But what exactly is a Misdemeanor Bond and how do you get one? In this article, we'll discuss what misdemeanor bonds are, the different types available, and important information you need to know before getting one. So keep reading if you want to know more about Misdemeanor Bonds.

The Importance of Choosing a Reputable Bail Bond Company

17 Dec, 2022
When you or a loved one are arrested, the last thing on your mind is likely to be whether or not to research bail bond companies. You may just want to get out of jail as quickly as possible, and any company that offers to help you do so will seem like a good option. However, it's important to be selective when choosing a bail bond company. Not all companies are created equal, and some can actually cause more harm than good.

The Benefits of Working With a Bail Bond Company: An Explainer

09 Dec, 2022
If you or someone you know is dealing with an unexpected legal issue, such as an arrest, you may need to work with a bail bond company. Posting bail is a legal way to temporarily free someone from jail or prison. That’s where bail bonds come in. Bail bonds provide assurance that criminal defendants appear in court, while they are out of jail while awaiting trial. It is a legal agreement between the court, the defendant (person arrested), and a bail bond company. The bond agreement provides financial assurance that the defendant will appear in court as directed by the court. If the defendant fails to show up, the bail bond company is responsible for paying the full amount of the bail to the court. When you work with a bail bond company, you receive not just financial assistance with posting bail, but also a variety of other services. A bail bond company can provide you with legal advice about the charges and the court proceedings, prepare and file the necessary legal documents, and even give you advice on how to best deal with the situation. In this blog, we will explore some key benefits of working with a bail bond company.

How Bail Bonds Work: A Comprehensive Guide

30 Nov, 2022
Have you ever been faced with a situation where someone you know is arrested and needs help getting out of jail? Bail bonds can provide an essential solution in this kind of difficult scenario. But many people have questions about how bail bonds work, what the requirements are for obtaining one, and what the process looks like. This comprehensive guide will give you a better understanding of the bail bond system, including what is required and how it works. We’ll also discuss some best practices to keep in mind when dealing with bail bonds. With this knowledge, you can be better prepared for any future scenarios involving bail bonds. Now let's dive into the basics of how bail bonds work.
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