Police warn of rise in financial scams targeting vulnerable residents

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The Lexington Police Department is warning the public about an increase in financial scams, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations.

Officials remind residents that law enforcement will not call to demand payment for warrants or missed jury duty. Authorities also say people should never send money or allow transfers to someone they have not met in person.

Police caution that calls claiming you have won a prize but must first pay taxes or fees — especially when payment is requested through cash, gift cards, Bitcoin, or similar methods — are scams. If an offer sounds too good to be true, officials say it likely is.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a financial crime is encouraged to contact police at (859) 258-3600. Online financial crimes can also be reported to the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.