Multiple U.S. Counties Warn Public of Widespread Bail Bond Phone Scam

Multiple sheriff's offices across the United States have issued warnings about phone scams where callers impersonate law enforcement or bail bondsmen to solicit money from families of incarcerated individuals. These scammers often use fake or spoofed local phone numbers and may even use real names of officers or bondsmen to appear legitimate, claiming the need for immediate bond payments or fines to release detainees. Authorities emphasize that they never request payments over the phone, especially via gift cards, money transfers, or cryptocurrency, and they do not demand immediate payment or personal financial information through calls. Victims are advised to hang up immediately, verify the caller's identity through official channels, and report any suspicious calls to local law enforcement. These scams have been reported recently in Coffey County, KS; Guilford County, NC; Montgomery County, PA; McHenry County, IL; and Josephine County, OR. Law enforcement agencies urge the public to remain vigilant and share these warnings to prevent others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.