05/08/2026
SCAM ALERT
The Paulding County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about an increase in bail bond scams targeting community members.
Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers from our office, claiming that a loved one has been arrested and needs immediate payment for release. They often demand payment through gift cards, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, while pressuring victims to act quickly.
â ď¸ Common Signs of a Bail Bond Scam
⢠Urgent calls claiming a family member is in jail and needs bail immediately or requires payment to be released on an ankle monitor⢠Requests for payment through Cash App, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers⢠Pressure to keep the situation secret or stay on the phone⢠Threats of arrest or legal action if payment is not made immediately⢠Caller ID appearing to show a law enforcement agency or courthouse number
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How to Protect Yourself⢠Slow down â scammers rely on panic and urgency⢠Verify the information by contacting the jail or law enforcement agency directly using official phone numbers⢠Contact your family member or other relatives before sending money⢠Never send money using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps to unknown individuals⢠Ask questions â legitimate agencies will provide clear information
â Important ReminderThe Paulding County Sheriff's Office will NEVER contact you requesting payment or bond money for an inmate. Law enforcement agencies do not accept bail payments through gift cards, Cash App, Zelle, cryptocurrency, or similar payment methods.
If you receive one of these calls:⢠Hang up immediately⢠Do not send money⢠Report the incident to local law enforcement
Please share this information to help protect friends, family, and neighbors from becoming victims of fraud.