Need A Bail Bond Agent? 4 Tips To Steer Clear Of Bail Bond Scams
Whether your friend or loved one has been arrested, hiring a bail bond agent is vital. Furthermore, these bail bond agents help individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses live outside of jail while awaiting trial. Not only will a bail bond agent help release you or a loved one from jail, but they can also answer any questions you might have about the legal process. However, while you can find a slew of bail bond agents in Jefferson County, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
Furthermore, some opportunistic bail bond agents are not legitimate bond providers. They only want to make quick bucks out of your misery. Read on to find out four ways to steer clear of bail bond scams.
- Suspiciously cheap bonds
If you notice bail bond agents that are charging significantly less than other bail bond agencies, then be wary of their services. Furthermore, low prices may indicate lack of experience and even scams. Don’t be tempted by low prices, there’s a reason they’re so much lower than the rest.
- Paperwork
As with any legal transaction, the services of a bail bond agent require you to fill out paperwork. Furthermore, a reputable bail bond agent will sit the consignee down to fill out paperwork, ask for I.D and other information such as the collateral. Furthermore, if there’s no paperwork whatsoever, be cautious.
- Only deal with licensed bail bond agents
While there are a plethora of bail bond agents, most of them operate without all the necessary credentials. Furthermore, a reputable bail agent will have the proper certifications from the state proving they are legally appointed to handle the processes related to the release of a defendant from the jail. By law, bail bond agents are required to be fully licensed in the state they are operating under. Moreover, an expert and authentic bail bond agent will also be bonded and insured, allowing them to operate successfully and safely. Besides, licenses, insurance and certifications are essential because they represent the reliability of a bail bond agent.
- Internet presence
In the modern world, legitimate bail bond agents have a website and social media pages. Furthermore, if a bail bond agent doesn’t have a web portal or social media account, there’s a good chance that they have something to hide.
While these were some of the tips and tricks to steer clear of bail bond scams, there are many others, such as asking for fee before presenting paperwork, active solicitation among many others.
