Imagine posting a high-dollar bond to allow the release of a family member from custody - only to find out that you were scammed by a criminal enterprise and your relative is still in jail.

The Judicial Branch has uncovered a new scam where fraudsters, posing as court officials or law enforcement, are calling and texting defendant family members and convincing them to post fraudulent bonds via Zelle. To date, there are three known victims who lost dollar amounts ranging from $300 to $1,750. However, there could be more victims as the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is also reporting incidents involving the same scam.

“A defendant’s family member recently approached me during an arraignment and shared what happened,” Commissioner Ashley Rahaman said. “I’ve had defendants on my Not Guilty Arraignment, Early Disposition Court and Bond Forfeiture calendars come forward. The calls and texts come from different numbers and promise a release from incarceration and/or the purchase of electronic monitoring equipment.”

The scams are sophisticated, but the public must know that the Court or MCSO does not ask for bonds to be posted by phone, text message or any other sort of electronic payment.

“Bonds can only be posted in person with MCSO,” Criminal Court Administrator Nicole Garcia said. “If you receive one of these phone calls, immediately hang up and do not engage in the conversation. Also, never give the caller any personal information.”

To verify if the call is legitimate, please call the Criminal Information Desk at 602-506-8575 or the MCSO Sheriff’s Information Management Services (SIMS) at 602-876-0322.

Bonds and fines may be paid in person at the Fourth Avenue Jail Bond and Fine Room (201 S. 4th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003) located on the northwest corner of the building. After bond is paid, it may take up to 24 hours for an inmate’s release to be processed.

Bonds in criminal matters are a defendant’s promise to appear at all future court hearings. When a person is arrested, the Court imposes release conditions at their initial appearance. If the Court orders the payment of a bond, the person will remain in jail until the bond is posted. At any time if a defendant fails to appear for a hearing, the Court can forfeit the posted bond.

For questions regarding the criminal process or bonds, please visit: https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/criminal-bonds