Over the weekend, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office was made aware of yet another scam being perpetrated against citizens. This one involves families of the inmate population.
According to the initial investigation, a family member of an inmate at the Rapides Parish Detention Center was contacted by someone representing themselves as a bondsman.
The bondsman told the family member that they can bond their loved one out and asked for money to be electronically transferred to them.
They informed the family member everything is done electronically and as soon as the bond is completed, the “bondsman” will contact them and let them know when the family member can be picked up.
Of course, this is a SCAM. First, real bondsmen must meet with the person they are receiving payment from as there is paperwork that must be signed. Also, the bondsman meets with the person being released to have them sign paperwork for them to appear in court.
Again, RPSO urges everyone to be very skeptical of ANYONE calling and attempting to get money, no matter what the reason.
There are several legitimate bondsmen in the area. Should anyone have a question about bonding out an inmate, THAT PERSON should initiate the call.