The Okaloosa County Department of Corrections has reported multiple recent instances of individuals falsely posing as bail bondsmen to the families of inmates housed within the Okaloosa County Jail.
These scammers contact family members and claim they can bond their loved ones out of jail in exchange for payment in the form of gift card numbers or virtual payments through services like Cash App or Venmo.
Legitimate bail bond agents are bound by statutorily imposed restrictions on solicitation. They are required to provide clients with a contract, a receipt, an advisement of terms, and contact information for their governing body for complaints. Bonding agents do not reach out to families to notify them of an arrest.
If contacted by a registered bonding agent, arrangements are made to meet in person, either at their office or the jail, where the required information is provided, and payment is accepted.
- Defendants and indemnitors must sign all documents and receipts in person.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating these cases. Community members who encounter such situations should immediately notify the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on the non-emergency line at 850-651-7400.
