GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a phone scam making its rounds.
According to Sheriff Danny Rogers, callers are pretending to be a private bail bondsman, a law enforcement officer or a “Guilford County bondsman.” To appear legitimate, scammers may use a fake name or the real names of local bail bondsman, deputies or officers.
The scammers research recent arrests and contact the arrestee’s loved ones before requesting a “bond” payment that will secure the person’s release from jail. The calls are usually made before the arrestee’s first court appearance, before the loved one can verify the information. Some victims report being told the jail is overcrowded, and the arrestee can be released with an ankle bracelet pending immediate payment…