TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Aug 15, 2025

Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk Vince Dean is warning the public about a bond scam targeting family members of inmates. Dean said scammers are contacting relatives, often claiming to represent established local bonding companies, and requesting payment to post an inmate’s bond, The Chattanoogan reports. In one reported case, a family paid the requested amount after receiving a message from someone using a fake bondsman’s name, but no such person exists on the county’s bond list. “Everyone should use extreme caution when making bonds for family and friends,” Dean said, noting that it is against state law to solicit a bond. He advised verifying any bonding agent by asking to see their Tennessee Association of Professional Bail Agents card, which includes a photo and expiration date.