Arizona court officials warns Arizonans about bond scam

PHOENIX — Arizona court officials are warning residents about a new bond scam happening in the Valley.

According to the Judicial Branch, the scam targets family members of defendants. Fraudsters call them posing as court officials or law enforcement and then convince them to pay the fraudulent bond through Zelle.

Court officials said that currently there are three known victims of the scam who have lost anywhere from $300 to $1,750.

“A defendant’s family member recently approached me during an arraignment and shared what happened,” Commissioner Ashley Rahaman said in a press release. “I’ve had defendants on my Not Guilty Arraignment, Early Disposition Court and Bond Forfeiture calendars come forward. The calls and texts come from different numbers and promise a release from incarceration and/or the purchase of electronic monitoring equipment.”

It was noted that there may be more victims as the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has also reported more incidents involving the same bond scam.

Court officials described the bond scams as sophisticated, but reminded Arizonans that neither the Court nor MCSO asks for bond payments over the phone, through text message or any other type of electronic payment.

“Bonds can only be posted in person with MCSO,” Criminal Court Administrator Nicole Garcia said. “If you receive one of these phone calls, immediately hang up and do not engage in the conversation. Also, never give the caller any personal information.”

Those who want to verify the legitimacy of a call can contact the Criminal Information Desk at 602-506-8575 or MCSO Sheriff’s Information Management Services at 602-876-0322.

Bonds and fines can be paid in person at the Fourth Avenue Jail Bond and Fine Room. It can take up to 24 hours for an inmate to be released after a bond is paid.

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