Watch Out! How Bail Bonding Scams Target Those Just Released in Spartanburg — How to Stay Safe

Erika
Nov 16
5 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Introduction to Bail Bonding Scams in South Carolina

Getting someone out of jail is stressful enough. But when you’re introduced to a bail bond scam right at the moment of release, things can spin out of control fast. If your loved one has just been released in the Spartanburg area, it’s important to know how scam artists operate — and how to protect yourself. At Jimmy Ray's Bonding we’ve seen these scams happen, and we want you to stay safe.

What Bail Bonding Scams Look Like

Scammers know when someone has been arrested and then released or is about to be released. They prey on fear, confusion, and urgency. Here are some common tactics:

Fake “bail agents” or “bonding companies” call a family member or friend, claiming the arrested person needs more money immediately or risk being re-arrested.
They pose as law-enforcement or jail staff, saying they must pay via apps (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App) or at odd locations. For example: a county sheriff’s office warns of scams where someone is told they must pay via mobile app to release the defendant. Snohomish County+2sflbailbonds.com+2
They may send fake contracts, demand cash upfront without paperwork, or say “We’re already on our way” to pressure you.
They advertise very low premiums or “we’ll fix everything quickly” offers — which are unrealistic, especially for legitimate bonding services. sflbailbonds.com +1
Their claimed company name or affiliation doesn't show up at all when you search “bail bondsman near me”

Why This Happens in Spartanburg / Upstate SC

Many families in this region rely on quick bail release to get back to work, take care of children, and avoid extended time in custody. The urgency creates vulnerability.
Local jail releases, court schedules, and smaller communities mean word travels fast and the “help” window is tight — scammers exploit this.
It’s less likely people will double-check credentials in the heat of the moment.

How to Spot a Legitimate Bail Bondsman vs a Scam

Here are red flags and green flags:

✅ Legitimate Behaviour	❌ Red Flags of a Scam
License number provided, contract signed, clear fee schedule.	No paperwork, asked to pay in strange ways (apps, random checks).
Business has a local office, visible reputation, reviews, and trust in Spartanburg/Upstate SC region (Make sure you are checking the area that you are in: Cherokee County / Gaffney, Union County, Greenville County, etc.)	Operates only by phone, no local address, no or very little reviews, unreachable after payment.
Clearly explains the process, your rights, the fee (The South Carolina state MINIMUM fee is 10 % of bond).	Promises extremely low “too good to be true” fee or immediate drop of charges for extra cash.
You have time to verify: contact jail or court, confirm arrest and release status.	Pressured with urgent calls: “we’ll lose the opportunity” or “you must pay now or your relative will stay in jail longer.”

What To Do – Step-by-Step - Making Sure You Are Working with a Legitimate South Carolina Bail Bondsman

Verify the arrest and bail amount — Call the jail, ask for inmate name and bail amount.
Ask for the bonding company’s license and local office — Search online for the name + ensure they show up in normal Google Search Results like "bail bondsman near me", "Spartanburg Bail Bondsman", "Union County Bail Bondsman", etc. + reviews in Spartanburg or the corresponding area in which you need the Bail Bond.
Additionally, all Bail Bondsman in South Carolina are licensed by the South Carolina Department of Insurance; an ethical South Carolina Bondsman will be happy to produce their credentials.
Read the contract — Be sure the fee, responsibilities, and refund provisions (if any) are clear. If a caller is demanding payment for a fee, fine, bail, etc., be sure it is verifiable. Most of these are available online, as part of Public Record. Additionally, you can contract the county's Clerk of Court, who will be able to verify any warrants, bail bonds, unpaid fines, fees, etc.
Avoid wire/app payments unless you’re sure — Legit companies will accept typical payment methods and provide receipts. If you have not been able to verify a Bondsman's licensure or other credentials, DO NOT send money via wire transfer or payment app. Jimmy Ray's Bonding does accept payments via CashApp, ApplePay, etc., however, if you send money to a scammer using these methods, retrieval is extremely unlikely.
Keep your documentation — If you’re ever in court or need to reference the bond, you’ll have everything. If you misplace or have questions about your release or court documentation, contact your county's Clerk or Court. If you posted a Bond through a Bail Bondsman, your Bail Bonding Company can assist with relocating documentation.
If it smells like a scam — call a known reputable local company — Better safe than sorry! If you are unsure about who you are talking to or worried about someone who is requesting money from you, contact a trusted local company who can likely verify the existence of another business in their industry. If you are unsure about anything related to Bail Bonding in South Carolina, call Jimmy Ray's Bonding at 864-495-5555. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, even if you don't use us for your Bail Bonding needs.

How Jimmy Ray's Bonding Can Help

At Jimmy Ray's Bonding, based in Spartanburg County, we understand the local system and we operate with full transparency. We’re licensed, have a local office, and we’ll walk you through every step so you know exactly what’s happening. No hidden fees. No urgent bait tactics. Just honest service when you need it most.

If you have any questions about The Bonding Process, the Services we provide or want to verify the legitimacy of a call you've received, give us a call: 864-495-5555

Conclusion

When your relative or friend faces jail time, the stress can make anyone vulnerable. Knowing these scams exist — and what they look like — can save you thousands of dollars, and prevent extra trouble down the road. Bookmark this post. Share it with friends and family. And if you ever need a trustworthy Bail Bondsman in Spartanburg County, Cherokee County / Gaffney, Union County, or any of the other counties in the Upstate that we service, reach out to Jimmy Ray's Bonding anytime.