BAIL BOND SCAM

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a new scam that is targeting members of our communities.

We have had reports of individuals receiving calls from people (scammers) claiming to be bond agents. They use their personal information to identify family members/loved ones that are in-custody at the Coffee County Detention Center. The scammers inform their potential victims of false dollar amounts, in order to solicit fraudulent payment in exchange for their release.

This is yet another attempt to collect money from individuals in vulnerable and emotional situations. Sheriff Cole urges you to ensure you’re verifying information on these agencies so you don’t become a victim. If it seems like it could be a scam, treat it as one. Please follow these tips if you’re looking to post bond for an incarcerated individual:

-Verify the bond amounts by checking our resources (listed below)

-Utilize our trusted bond agents listed on our CCSO Mobile App under Jail Info - Authorized Bond Agencies.

-Do not give out any credit/debit or bank account information over the phone.

-REMEMBER: Law enforcement agencies will NEVER request payment over the phone to avoid arrest, cancel a warrant, or make threats if action is not taken. We will also NEVER request payment in the form of gift cards, prepaid cards, Cash App, Venmo, paypal, cryptocurrency or any other peer-to-peer payment app.

If you receive a call making this type of request, simply refuse, hang up, and follow the tips above. (No report necessary) If you fall victim to these types of scams, or have already, call 911 and request to speak to an officer and file a report.