Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk Vince Dean is warning citizens about yet another scam targeting those incarcerated and their family members.

“I was advised this morning, by one of the Sessions Court judges that defendants are saying that they, and in some cases their family members, are being contacted by a company claiming to be called ‘second chance’ to get a release from jail.” Dean said.

The fake company will usually contact the victim via text and offer to get the defendant released from jail and have them put on a monitor.  The offer is often for an ankle monitor, but some have been offered a wrist monitor. 

All bonding agents must be registered through the Criminal Court Clerk’s office, according to Dean. 

“There is absolutely no bonding company in Hamilton County named ‘second chance,”  Dean added. “We have also been told they offer a telephone number similar to one used by Hamilton County government. 

“The best approach is never use an agent that contacts you,  always be the one to initiate contact and only use an agent that has their contact information posted at the Hamilton County Jail.”