Morgan County Sheriff’s Office: Watch for increase in bail fraud calls

MORGAN COUNTY, Alabama (WHNT) – The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is warning the public about a growing scam and offering tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of such a scam.

The sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post Wednesday that a new bail-related scam is causing increasing problems for citizens.

The scam allegedly begins with someone calling, posing as a representative of a local bail bonds company and demanding money to get a loved one out of jail.

The department listed a telltale sign that a phone call you received is a scam: If the person on the phone asks for money, a credit card, gift cards, or app payments (Cashapp, Vermont, PayPal, etc.).

To avoid losing your money, the office recommends:

• “Check, check, check” before sending money
• Hang up if it is important, you will be contacted
• Find the company and call the main number listed
• Don’t take other people’s word for it on the phone, especially if they call out of the blue.

The MCSO also advises the public to remain alert and vigilant to avoid losing money.