When there is a warrant out for your arrest and you are trying to seek help through bonds to make bail, the last thing you want to worry about is making sure you are getting into business with the right people. The truth is it may be the last thing you want to worry about but it should be one of the first.
Getting into bed with a scammy company can end up with you and jail and no bail. That’s why it’s important to recognize these typical scams right away before signing away with just any bail bonds company.
Missing Paperwork
When you agree to work with a bonds company the first thing you should ask for is to have anything in writing. It’s essentially a loan of money and with any loan, it should be set in paper with how much the total is, how you are going to pay it off, and what percentage goes to them. If a company insists there is no paperwork it is a scam! Don’t use this company.
Bullying
A legit bonds company is going to have clients. Any company that takes advantage of your situation by intimidating your or bullying you to work with them is a huge red flag. You want to be able to trust your bondsman and the person doing the paperwork for you so starting off by being intimidated to work with them is no good. Avoid this kind of relationship and work with someone who understands you are in a stressful position.
Rushed Process
While it’s important to get the process moving so that you can get your loved one out of jail as quickly as possible, it’s also important to get the facts correct. If the facts are incorrect they are going to have issues getting them out of jail. If a company is insisting you don’t need to come in and everything can be done over the phone, this is a red flag. Another red flag is any company trying to rush the payment by insisting on wire transfers, checks immediately, etc. The point is that they give you a loan and let you pay it off. This is detailed in the contract.
Do the Research
Working with a trusted bail bonds company is incredibly important to getting your bail done right. Even the slightest typo in the paperwork filed on behalf of you for bail can set the whole process back. That’s why working with a reputable company that offers a contract and goes over the process is crucial.
Any company that tries to rush the process and intimate you into working with them is not a company that you want to get into business with. Any company that tries to get you to immediately start paying over the phone or on the first consultation is another company that is probably not the most legitimate.
While you certainly want to get your loved one out on bail the most important part is making sure you actually work with someone who can.