Bail Bonds Scams

Hosted By Chris Parker

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Chris PARKER

Host

Julie
Henderson

Expert Guest
  • Updated on June 17, 2026
“A legitimate bail agent should be willing to answer your questions and help you verify who they are.” - Julie Henderson Share on X

Getting a call that someone you love has been arrested is scary enough. Getting that call from someone who sounds official, knows just enough to seem credible, and says you have to send money right away is exactly the kind of moment scammers are counting on. Julie Henderson is the president of the North Carolina Bail Agents Association and has spent 24 years working in the bail bond industry. 

She started in the field almost by accident after applying for what she thought was a legislative assistant job, and she has stayed because she cares about helping people get through one of the most stressful situations a family can face. In this episode, Julie explains what is really happening with bail bond scams, how scammers are finding people so quickly, and why these calls can feel so convincing. 

We also learn what a legitimate bail process should look like, what families can do to verify whether someone is actually in jail, and why no one should be rushed into sending gift cards or app payments. She also shares simple ways to prepare before something happens, including using a family password and knowing where to report a scam if one of these calls comes in.

“If it feels wrong, it probably is wrong. We have a gut, and we need to listen to it.” - Julie Henderson Share on X

Show Notes:

  • [01:51] Julie Henderson explains what bail bondsmen do, how the process works in North Carolina, and why a bondsman’s job is to help ensure clients return to court.
  • [04:00] Bail bond scams have increased sharply, with scammers often targeting people who recently had contact with law enforcement.
  • [07:16] Common scam tactics include fake ankle monitor fees, gift card demands, urgent threats, and claims that someone will be moved into a dangerous part of the jail.
  • [10:55] Legitimate bail agents should answer questions calmly, provide ways to verify the situation, and allow families time to make decisions.
  • [13:51] Fake case numbers, badge numbers, and license numbers can sound convincing, so independent verification is essential.
  • [16:09] Taking five or ten minutes to verify the facts will rarely affect whether someone can be released.
  • [18:15] Public jail records, apps, and online information may help scammers find arrest details quickly.
  • [21:42] Bail bond scams are likely underreported because victims may feel embarrassed or believe nothing will be done.
  • [23:30] A personal family scam story shows how realistic and emotionally convincing these calls can be.
  • [26:53] Education, patience, and clearer communication can help families recognize scams before they send money.
  • [29:45] Scam reports should go to the FBI, Internet Crime Complaint Center, state attorneys general, and any agency being impersonated.
  • [32:47] Legitimate payment methods vary, but pressure to send gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, or PayPal should raise immediate red flags.
  • [35:00] Advice includes trusting your gut, slowing down, and verifying the situation before handing over money.
“A family password may sound simple, but it can help you know whether there is a legitimate emergency.” - Julie Henderson Share on X

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

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Transcript:

About Your Host

Chris Parker

Chris Parker is the founder of WhatIsMyIPAddress.com, a tech-friendly website attracting a remarkable 13,000,000 visitors a month. In 2000, Chris created WhatIsMyIPAddress.com as a solution to finding his employer’s office IP address. Today, WhatIsMyIPAddress.com is among the top 3,000 websites in the U.S. 

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PODCAST reviews

Excellent Podcast

Chris Parker has such a calm and soothing voice, which is a wonderful accompaniment for the kinds of serious topics that he covers. You want a soothing voice as you’re learning about all the ways the bad guys out there are desperately trying to take advantage of us, and how they do cleverly find new and more devious ways each day! It’s a weird world out there! Don’t let your guard down, this podcast will give you some explicit directions!

MTracey141

Required Listening

Somethings are required reading – this podcast should be required listening for anyone using anything connected in the current world.

Apple Podcasts User

Fascinating stuff!

I've listened to quite of few of these podcasts now. Some of the topics I wouldn't have given a second look, but the interviewees have always been very interesting and knowledgeable. Fascinating stuff!

Apple Podcasts User

Excellent Show

Excellent interview. Don't give personal information over the phone … it can be abused in countless ways

George Jenson

Interesting

I've listened to quite of few of these podcasts now. Some of the topics I wouldn't have given a second look, but the interviewees have always been very interesting and knowledgeable. Fascinating stuff!

User22

Content, content, content!

Chris provides amazing content that everyone needs to hear to better protect themselves and learn from other’s mistakes to stay safe!

CaigJ3189

New Favorite Podcast!

Entertaining, educational and I cannot 
get enough! I am excited for more phenomenal content to come and this is sthe only podcast I check frequently to see if a new episode has rolled out.

brandooj

Big BIG ups!

What Chris is doing with this podcast is something that isn’t just desirable, but needed – everyone using the internet should be listening to this! Our naivete is constantly being used against us when we’re online; the best way to combat this is by arming the masses with the information we need to stay wary and keep ourselves safe. Big, BIG ups to Chris for putting the work in for us.

Riley
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