In the bail industry, your word is your bond. My name is Joe Drolet, and at Drolet Bail Bonds, I’ve built my reputation on being straight with people. Whether you’re a client or a family member, you deserve honesty, fairness, and a bondsman who isn’t looking to take advantage of your worst day.

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Lately, I’ve seen a disturbing trend in the Lowcountry. Scammers are targeting families of those recently arrested, pretending to be law enforcement or a Charleston Bail Bonds agency to trick folks into sending money. They use public arrest records to find out who is in jail, then they call the family, fast-talk their way through a "payment," and disappear.

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As a legitimate bondsman, it makes me sick to see people get taken for thousands of dollars while a scammer laughs all the way to the bank. Here is what you need to know to stay safe.

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Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake Charleston Bail Bonds Call​​

 

The most common tactic these predators use is the "cold call." According to recent warnings from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling families claiming to be officers or bondsmen, demanding immediate payment for bond or even "ankle monitor fees."

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If you get a call about Bail Bonds Charleston, watch out for these red flags:

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• Pressure for Immediate Payment: Scammers want you to act before you think. They’ll tell you the release is "happening right now" or the person will be moved to another facility if you don't pay immediately.

• Requests for Cash App, Venmo, or Gift Cards: Real agencies only discuss payment for bonds once the bonding process has started and you have verified that the person you are speaking to is professionally licensed. If someone asks you to "Cash App the balance" to a personal name, hang up. In one recent case reported by the North Charleston Police, a victim lost $3,300 through Cash App to a scammer who ignored all calls once the money was sent.

• They Called You First: Professional bondsmen generally do not "cold call" families unless the incarcerated person has specifically reached out to them first. If you get an unsolicited call, be extremely cautious.

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Verifying a Legitimate Charleston Bail Bonds Agency​

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The best way to protect yourself is to stay calm and verify. These scammers are good at sounding official, but they can’t fake the legal requirements of our industry.

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1. Check the License: Every legitimate agent in South Carolina must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. If you aren't sure about someone, ask for their license number or look them up on the SCDOI website.

2. Call the Jail Directly: If someone says your loved one is in custody and needs money, hang up and call the detention center yourself. Ask the staff to verify the bond amount and whether a bondsman has already been assigned. You can also access online search tools for each county to confirm the custody of your loved one.

3. Insist on Paperwork: A real deal involves a contract. At Drolet Bail Bonds, we provide clear documentation of fees and obligations before any money changes hands. If a "bondsman" tells you not to worry about a contract, you should start worrying.

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Why Drolet Bail Bonds is Different

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At Drolet Bail Bonds, we don’t hide behind the phone. We believe in being reasonable and fair because we know how stressful this process is. We aren't here to pressure you into a quick paycheck; we are here to provide a professional service to the Charleston community.

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If you ever receive a suspicious call regarding Bail Bonds Charleston, don’t let them rush you. Hang up, take a breath, and call a name you can trust. We’ve seen these scammers try to "split the money" with strangers or pose as employees of real businesses they don't even work for. Don't let your hard-earned money end up in a scammer's pocket.

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Stay vigilant, stay informed, and always verify who you are talking to. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call at (843) 670-6492.

 

Joe Drolet