Every year, the same scam resurfaces — and every year, it costs innocent people thousands of dollars. In 2026, it’s back in full force.

Attorney Aaron Delgado is once again warning the public about a persistent phone scam where criminals impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, or bail bondsmen to pressure victims into sending money immediately.

If you or someone you love receives one of these calls, knowing what to look for can make the difference between staying safe and losing money you’ll never get back.

How the Scam Typically Works

The call usually comes out of the blue and sounds urgent. The caller may claim to be:

• A police officer or sheriff’s deputy
• A bail bondsman
• A clerk of court or court official

They’ll tell you one of several alarming stories, including:

• Your loved one has been arrested and needs money to bond out
• Your loved one damaged property in jail and now needs additional bond money
• You or a family member missed a court date and a warrant has been issued
• Charges can be “dropped” if you pay a fine or fee immediately

The goal is always the same: panic you into paying before you have time to think or verify anything.

The Biggest Red Flags to Watch For 🚩

These scams follow predictable patterns. If you notice any of the following, assume it’s a scam:

1. Requests for Immediate, Untraceable Payment

No legitimate law enforcement agency or court will ever ask for payment via:

• Cash App
• Venmo
• Cryptocurrency
• Gift cards
• Cash handed to a courier or Uber driver

If someone insists on instant, non-reversible payment, that alone confirms it’s a scam.

2. Caller ID Spoofing

Scammers can make their number appear to be:

• A sheriff’s office
• A police department
• A bail bond agency

Caller ID cannot be trusted. Always independently look up the organization’s official phone number and call it yourself.

3. Extreme Urgency and Pressure

Scammers thrive on panic. They’ll say:

• “You have to do this right now”
• “If you hang up, it’ll get worse”
• “This is your last chance”

That urgency is intentional — it’s meant to override your common sense.

4. Bail Bond Amounts That Don’t Add Up

In Florida, bail bond fees are set by statute — typically 10% of the bond amount.
There is no price shopping, no discounts, and no surprise fees.

If the numbers don’t make sense, it’s a scam.

5. “Cash Pickup” Through an Uber or Courier

No legitimate bail bondsman:

• Collects cash through rideshare drivers
• Operates without a physical office
• Avoids paperwork, receipts, or contracts

Reputable bondsmen are licensed, insured, and operate from brick-and-mortar locations.

What Law Enforcement and Courts Will Never Do

Let’s be very clear:

• Police officers do not call defendants asking for money
• Clerks of court do not call to warn you that you missed court
• No government agency will offer to make charges “go away” for a quick payment

If any of that happens, it is 100% a scam.

What to Do If You Get One of These Calls

If you receive a call like this:

1. Hang up immediately
2. Look up the official number for:
   • The sheriff’s office (non-emergency line)
   • The clerk of court
   • A reputable bail bond agency
3. Call those numbers directly — not the number given to you
4. Ask:
   • Is my loved one actually in jail?
   • What is the bond amount?
   • Did anyone from your office contact me?

If the call was legitimate (which is extremely rare), it will verify instantly.

Why Victims Rarely Get Their Money Back

Most of these scams are run by organized groups outside the United States. Once the money is sent, it’s quickly converted to crypto or transferred overseas.

Even with law enforcement involvement, recovery is unlikely — which is why prevention is critical.

If You’ve Already Been Targeted

If you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer:

• Report the incident to local law enforcement
• Contact the real agency the caller claimed to represent
• Reach out to a trusted attorney or legal office for guidance

Reporting these scams helps authorities track patterns and shut them down.

Final Advice: Trust, But Verify

If someone contacts you asking for money — especially under pressure — verify everything.

No rush. No panic. No exceptions.

And remember:
If the clerk of court ever does call you directly, go buy a lottery ticket — because the odds are about one in a million.

Talk to an Attorney Before You Send a Dollar

If you receive a call like this and aren’t sure whether it’s legitimate, do not send any money. Instead, contact the Law Office of Aaron Delgado & Associates and schedule a consultation. Attorney Aaron Delgado and his team can help you determine whether the call you received is a scam, verify claims made by the caller, and guide you on the safest next steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. A quick phone call can save you thousands of dollars — and a lot of unnecessary stress.