When you or a family member is arrested and imprisoned, all that you want to see is get them out. This can be quite a stressful situation for the arrested individual and his/her family. However, the stress, eagerness, and anxiety can leave everyone vulnerable to bail bond scams and devious schemes. When working with an agent, you should be cautious and look for any red flags to avoid making mistakes. Here are a few tips to avoid bail bond scams.
Beware of cheap deals
Bail for loved ones can be costly and a financial burden for the family involved. As a result, it can be tempting for you to spring for an opportunity the offers the lowest cost. Most states in the US need a 10% bail bond premium and nothing lower. Therefore, if you find a bail agent that offers a smaller premium, then they are breaking the law or marketing to you deceptively. A common scam that is offered by bail bond companies is accepting a premium that is lower than 5% initially and then financing and collecting the interest on the outstanding amount. You do not wish to find yourself in such a situation.
Ensure there is paperwork
Before bondsman posts bail, they will have to sit down and fill out the legal paperwork with their clients. This documentation shows that the client has the ability to financially support the bond. You should be incredibly wary if the bail bondsman does not ask you to sign some papers. This is important because your signature will be required in some of the documents. Unless the agent is up to no good, there are no reasons why you should not sign some paper.
Get receipts
A bondsman is required to give clients a receipt whenever they accept cash from their clients. If you are not given any receipts, then you need to ask for one. Furthermore, you must ensure that the information on the receipt is accurate. If you are paying through phone, request for a receipt to be sent by email or text. There is no reason why you should not complete a transaction with bail bonds Dayton Ohio agents and not get a receipt.
Non-licensed bail bond companies
A reputable bail bond company should be licensed and regulated by the state. Do not be deceived by another inmate or friend of a friend who recommends a company. Make sure that you ask for a copy of their licensing documents before you hand them any money. Licensed companies must adhere to the regulations set by the state and licensing authorities. This means that they will provide excellent services and adhere to the rule of law.
Avoid in-jail solicitations
State laws tend to regulate how bail bond agents solicit business. Agents are prohibited from soliciting business inside the court building or in jail. Therefore, agents who look for businesses in the jailhouse are morally worse and equally illegal. In addition, you should keep off agents who cold call potential clients because it is illegal. Licensed and responsible agents will always play by the rules.
Bail bond agencies are lifesavers and most are legitimate. However, some of them may not be legit. Additionally, tracing money in the bail bond industry can be quite a challenge. Even though applying for bail bonds can be quite stressful on everyone, ensuring that you take proper care and thought will save you from any scams down the line.
