Scams impersonating court and law enforcement-related professionals on the rise
When people see a phone call is connected to the courts, they pay attention.
That’s why scammers have taken to impersonating a wide range of people and professionals connected to the courts.
“We’ve had multiple calls to the jail this week from people trying to confirm bonds for loved ones — only to discover they were being contacted by fake bonding companies attempting to steal their money,” the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) announced in a notification on their app.
While several recent scams have impersonated bail bond companies, others in the past have pretended to be GCSO deputies, deputies from other counties, church leaders and more.
Scams pressure victims. When people are afraid or panicked, they act without thinking. The end goal of most scams is to get the victim to give them hard-to-trace currency like gift cards or crypto-currency.
“If someone contacts you out of the blue offering to ‘help’ with a bond — it’s a scam. Period,” the GCSO said.
To protect yourself from scams, you should verify everything by directly contacting the jail to confirm arrest and bond status.
Contact the Gilmer County Detention Center at 706-635-4625.
It’s important to slow down, obtain bonding company information only from official websites and demand paperwork.
Real bonds always include official documentation. And real bond companies can always be verified through your state insurance department or the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Scammers always try to avoid meeting in-person at the jail, the GCSO said.
Real bail bond companies don’t cold-call, text or message family members or ask for gift cards and cryptocurrency.
The GCSO will also never call to demand money or a bond.
“If something feels off, trust your gut and call us first,” the GCSO said. “We’re here to help — not judge.”
To contact Gilmer County’s dispatch, call 706-635-8911 or call 911.