Introduction to a Scam
A Houston man, who wishes to remain anonymous, is speaking out after losing $8,000 to scammers who claimed he was about to be arrested for missing federal jury duty. The man, referred to as John, received a call at work from individuals who claimed to be from the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. They told him that he had a warrant for his arrest due to failure to appear for jury duty and that he needed to pay a fine immediately to avoid being arrested.
The Scam Unfolds
The scammers were convincing, providing John with detailed case numbers and transferring him between fake "officers." They instructed him to withdraw cash and meet a bondsman at a CVS pharmacy. John, who had never dealt with a bondsman before, was given a business card and a surety bond that appeared to be legitimate. The scammers told him that the bondsman would handle the paperwork, and John handed over $8,000 in cash. However, when he tried to email the address on the business card, the message bounced back, and he realized he had been scammed.
A Bail Bond Company’s Name Used in the Scam
The business card John was given used the name ASAP Bail Bonding Houston and the name Blake Ford. However, when contacted, the owner of ASAP Bail Bonding Houston, Derrick Dixon, stated that no one by that name had ever worked for his company. Dixon explained that in legitimate cases, bail bond companies work directly through their offices and the court system, and they do not send people out to demand cash on the spot.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
The Houston Police Department shared several key tips to avoid falling for tactics like this:
- Never give personal information over the phone.
- Always check with a family member, friend, or neutral third party before paying.
- Government agencies will never demand cash or bail bond payments over the phone.
- If someone keeps you on the phone, pushes you to act fast, or uses threats, it’s a red flag.
- Talk to older family members who may be more vulnerable to these kinds of calls.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If you receive a call claiming you missed jury duty or owe fines:
- Hang up and contact your local sheriff’s department directly.
- Report the incident to local law enforcement and the U.S. District Court in your area.
Conclusion
Scammers often use tactics that create panic and isolate their victims. They may use fake names, business cards, and surety bonds to appear legitimate. However, by being aware of these tactics and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these scams. Remember to never give personal information over the phone, always check with a trusted source before paying, and report any suspi
