01/08/2026
🚨 STATEWIDE BAIL SCAM ALERT – FROM THE NCBAA 🚨
The North Carolina Bail Agents Association (NCBAA) is warning citizens and licensed bail agents about ongoing bail bonding scams occurring across North Carolina. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are impacting families statewide.
🚫 What’s happening:
Individuals are falsely claiming to be licensed bail bondsmen or stating they can “facilitate” a defendant’s release by collecting money for a bond fee or an ankle monitor that is often NOT required.
👉 These are scams.
💡 What you need to know:
Always verify directly with the jail or magistrate whether a loved one is in custody, whether a bond is required, and whether an ankle monitor has actually been ordered.
Although some bail bondsmen may accept electronic payments, legitimate bondsmen will not pressure you into immediate payment through peer-to-peer apps or gift cards.
Most licensed bail bondsmen do not demand immediate payment through Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, gift cards, or similar platforms, and many of these services prohibit bail bonding transactions altogether. These methods are commonly used in scam activity.
If someone insists you act quickly, discourages verification, or refuses to provide identification — that is a major red flag.
📋 Always verify who you are dealing with:
Ask to see official identification.
Bail bondsmen are required to hold a valid license issued by the NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI).
You can verify legitimate, licensed bondsmen here:
👉 https://www.nccourts.gov/services/find-a-bail-bondsman
📞 If there is any doubt — stop and verify first.
NCBAA encourages bail agents to remind clients and families to contact the jail, magistrate, or a verified bondsman directly before sending any money.
🚓 If you have been scammed or targeted:
Individuals who believe they have been scammed or were the target of a scam should:
1️⃣ Contact their local law enforcement agency (Sheriff or Police Department, depending on residency)
2️⃣ Contact the NCDOI Bail Bond Regulatory Division
📌 NCBAA has contacted both the NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the NCDOI regarding these scams and will continue working with state agencies to improve public awareness and reporting.
⚠️ Bottom line:
If someone asks for payment via gift cards, peer-to-peer payment apps, or claims to bypass the jail or court process — do not send money. Verify first.
