09/17/2026
Alert: Scammers Are Using Fake "Bail Order" Documents to Steal Your Money
Scammers are emailing and texting official-looking court and police documents—like fake "Bail Order and Release Authorization" forms—demanding upfront payments to release relatives, clear warrants, or satisfy bogus legal claims.
Anatomy of a Fake Legal Document:
Generic or Non-Existent Agencies: Look for vague headers like "Louisiana Police Department," "Closest Police Station," or nonspecific judicial districts rather than a real city police, parish sheriff, or specific court.
Absence of Specific Charges: The form lists generic text like "To Be Determined" under the criminal charge. Real legal documents specify exact statute violations.
Unusual Upfront Demands: Demands for direct payments to resolve civil claims or "crew member" petitions attached to a criminal bail order are complete fabrications.
Urgent Wire or Digital Payment Requests: Scammers try to force quick payments before you have time to check with actual authorities.
Remember:
Real law enforcement agenices and courts will NEVER demand payment in any form via email, phone, or digital apps for bail or court fees.
Courts handles bail through verified court clerks or licensed bondsmen—not direct email demands from a police officer or inspector.
What to Do:
Stop and Do Not Pay: Never send money, buy gift cards, or wire funds based on an emailed or texted form.
Verify Directly: Call the official phone number of your local police department or parish clerk of court—do not use the phone numbers listed on the suspicious document.
Report It: Forward fraudulent documents to your local law enforcement and report the scam to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
