KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The bail bond industry is strictly regulated in Tennessee and agents are licensed and insured. However, scammers are posing as legitimate agents and cheating people.

Scammers review public records and get contact information on valid bail bond companies. Next, they claim they're with that company, and generally call before the bond has even been set. Posting bail can be a highly emotional time. Unfortunately, hoaxers prey on this vulnerable state and conduct bail bond scams that target defendants and their families.

Brandi Covington is a bail bond agent. She gets calls from men and women in jail who have seen a magistrate, and a bond has been set. In cases where a defendant can be bailed out, the release is contingent on paying a specific amount of cash to the bail bond agency.

Covington's co-worker, Gloria Pressley, another Bail Bond agent, says once contacted, she gathers the person's name, date of birth, and charges. She then gives the inmate information regarding what needs to be done to make bond. Finally, agents get a call from the inmate's family member or a friend

"Most of the time, someone has to co-sign for a bond. We go to the jail, do an interview with the person in jail, take some general information, turn the bond in," said Covington.

Bond payments can be made electronically through Cash App, Chime, a credit card, or cash. Scammers, however, are taking advantage of public information available on law enforcement websites.

Matthew Gladfelter's father was scammed after receiving a call from a man named Eddie claiming he was with a local bail bond company.

"The dad paid him on a card a $1,000. But it is still to be set. So there was no bond made yet," said Pressley.

But Gladfelter had not seen a magistrate, which is when the bond is set. His father then got in touch with A-1 Bonding, where Gloria and Brandi work.

"So, I made a call to the telephone number that was given to me. I told him I had a brother named is William Bell, made up a birthday for him," said Pressley.

Pressley said the scammer, Eddie, then gave her false information.

"He said it's pre-set. That it was going to be a $5,500 bond, so all I had to do was pay $550 to him," said Pressley.

Eddie texted saying he takes payment only electronically, and sorry, but he couldn't meet up at the jail.

"These gentlemen, they don't want to meet you. You need to meet somebody and make sure," said Pressley. "We would meet them at the jail or this office."

Here are some red flags regarding this scam:

• Illegal Solicitation: By law, bail bond agents are not allowed to solicit services to the detainee or their family and friends.
• No Paperwork or Contract: A legitimate bail bond will need to be secured with a contract and signatures.
• Steep Discounts: Legitimate bail bond companies charge fixed fees for their services, which are set by state law.
  • Legitimate businesses are legally allowed to charge a fee of 10% of the total bail amount, plus $37 up front.

Scammers who scour public records are breaking the laws and the standards that regulate the bail services industry, but bail bond scams can be hard to recognize during times of crisis. Just make sure to ask questions to educate yourself, especially when dealing with a bondsman for the first time.

Do not hesitate to contact a bondsman or work with one when posting bail. If the bondsman gives you some excuse not to meet you or sign a contract, you might want to start over again to avoid making a costly mistake.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/tennessee-bail-bond-agents-warn-of-scammers-posing-as-legitimate-agents/