OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla., May 11, 2024– Okaloosa County Department of Corrections staff have encountered multiple recent instances of individuals falsely posing as bail bondsmen to families of inmates housed within the Okaloosa County Jail.

These individuals contact family members of inmates and claim to be able to bond their family members out of jail if they are given payment in the form of gift card numbers or virtual payments such as Cash App or Venmo in various dollar amounts.

Bonding Agents will not reach out to families to notify them of an arrest.

Legitimate bail bond agents have statutorily imposed restrictions on solicitation.

They are further required to provide their clients with a contract, a receipt, an advisement of terms and contact information for their governing body for the purpose of making a complaint.

Once someone contacts a registered bonding agent, the agent will arrange to meet in person, at their office or the jail, to provide the required information and to accept payment for their service. 

Defendants and indemnitors are required to sign all documents and receipts in person. 

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating these cases. Members of the community who encounter these situations should immediately notify the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on the non-emergency line at 850-651-7400.

Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County public information officer