If someone you care about has been arrested, you’ll likely want to get them out of jail quickly. A trustworthy bail agent can help secure their release, but some unscrupulous con artists try to take advantage of this difficult situation. Here are a few common signs that an agent or bail bondsman may not be legitimate.

How to Spot a Bail Bond Scam

1. Making Cold Calls

Be wary of any unsolicited phone calls from someone claiming to be a bail agent, especially if they say that a family member has been arrested. Reputable bond agencies may contact you with information but not to ask for money. The agent's name and company should be given during this call after all defendants reach out to bail agencies for help when incarcerated. However, the agency may ask you to call the local jail to see if your loved one is in custody. Remember a legit bail agent will never ask for money, they need information first to process someone's jail release.

Never provide information until you have verified that you are working with a trusted bail bond agency. 

2. Approaching Customers at the Jail

In Connecticut and other states, surety bondsmen are forbidden from soliciting clients at the jail. If anyone approaches you at the police station offering to get your loved one out of custody, they likely aren’t legitimate. Avoid working with anyone who solicits business or doesn’t have an office of their own.

3. Offering Discounts

Bail bond fees are set by the state, so bondsmen usually aren’t allowed to offer discounts. However, con artists or unscrupulous bail agencies may offer to cover your loved one’s fees for less than the market rates. If an agent’s rates seem unrealistically low, they may not be operating according to the rules of your state. Secure your investment by researching Connecticut bail bond laws on reputable websites from the Department of Insurance or highly recognized agencies like 3-D Bail Bonds, Inc. When accepting bail fees deals or discounts, you are breaking the law along with the agent, furthermore, the bond you were trying to post could be revoked, and your investment could be lost.

If someone you care about has been arrested in Connecticut, trust our team at 3-D Bail Bonds to get them home as quickly as possible. Our bail agents have a reputation built on attentive customer service, and we've helped defendants throughout the state for over 23 years. Call (860) 247-2245 to reach our main office in Hartford or find us at 57 Fishfry St. across the Hartford Correctional. To speak with a bail agent in New Britain, call (860) 229-2525 or visit us at 15 Arch St near the New Britain Police Department. You can also dial (203) 562-6666 for help posting bail in the New Haven and Hamden area. Visit our website to find your nearest location, and follow our Facebook for more information.