Unfortunately, as with any industry, there are bail agents and companies that are integrity challenged and used deceitful tactics to get business.
These are some common scams to avoid.
Unlicensed Activity
Bail Bond Agents are licensed by the California Department of Insurance. Always ask for the bail agent’s license number and use the California Department of Insurance’s website to ensure the agent is actively licensed.
Illegal Solicitation
Bail bond solicitation is prohibited in and around courts, jails, and police stations. Avoid bail agents who cold call you or visit you in jail or the attorney room without your consent. Also avoid inmates who recommend
or force you to use a certain bail bond agent as they may be receiving illegal kickbacks.
Spoofing Websites
Some bail agents have created fake jail or government looking websites to illegally gain business. Always double check the URL of any website you are inputting personal defendant information into.
REMEMBER:
- Bail bond premiums are 7% – 10% and set by the state. Bond bond premiums are nonrefundable, even if charges are never filed or dropped.
- Bail agents cannot return defendants back into custody for nonpayment of premium.
- It is illegal to charge renewal premium.
- Bounty hunters, or Fugitive Recovery Agents, are not licensed in California, but apprehend a bail fugitive with a powers to arrest form from a bail bondsman and carry a certificate of completion of required education at all times in the course of performing their duties.
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