Fake deputies, bond company phone calls reported in Macon. How to detect scammers

Realistic phone scams that impersonate deputies and target families of incarcerated people have been recently reported in Macon, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

The scam callers use local addresses and fake arrest warrants to request money.

Bond calls

In one type of call, a scammer asks someone to post bond for their relative locked up in the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center.

The scammer requests “a large amount of money” via Cash App, “to send money to bonding companies,” deputies said.

The person claims to work for “2nd Chance Bonding at 4061 Broadway St.” in Macon, according to the sheriff’s office. This address exists, but the bond company is made up.

Fake deputies

Another scam features a person who claims to be a deputy for the Bibb County Sheriff’s office.

The scammer says “there is an arrest warrant due to failure to report for jury duty, and a fee needs to be paid to avoid arrest,” according to the sheriff’s office.

The person might also send a fraudulent arrest warrant with a scam victim’s name.

However, the sheriff’s office advised that deputies do not call to serve arrest warrants.

“An arrest warrant is served in person, and you will be transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center,” deputies said. “There is no fee to get out of an arrest warrant.”

Once a person is booked in the jail, deputies will inform them if they can post bond, depending on their charge. If granted bond, a family member, acquaintance or bonding company can help bond an incarcerated person out of jail.

How to report scams

The sheriff’s office does not request money via phone call or Cash App, according to deputies.

If you get a call like these, make note of the phone number and name used.

Report the incident to deputies at 478-751-7500, or call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.