AG, Sheriffs warn of phone scams

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentuckians are being targeted over the phone by scam artists claiming to be county sheriff’s deputies who can help residents resolve a federal warrant that has been issued against them – but for a price.

Attorney General Andy Beshear and a group of central Kentucky sheriffs joined forces today to raise awareness on the issue and to confirm that law enforcement does not contact Kentuckians over the phone concerning federal warrants and would never ask for money.

“Over the last month, my office and many sheriffs’ offices have seen a huge rise in the number of scams bombarding Kentuckians,” Beshear said. “By partnering with our local law enforcement agencies, we are warning consumers not to fall for these scams. These scam artists are using fear to prey on Kentuckians. Just remember, if you receive the call, hang up.”

Sheriffs in Madison and Clark counties have recently reported con artists claiming to be deputies in their offices when calling their residents to scam them.

“We, as Sheriffs, are glad to have the opportunity to work with Attorney General Beshear on this issue,” said Jerry Wagner, executive director of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association. “Our Sheriffs’ Offices would never call and ask residents for money. If you receive a call asking for money, hang up and report it to your local sheriff.”

Beshear’s Office of Consumer Protection received numerous calls from Franklin County residents on the scam. The Frankfort newspaper, The State Journal, recently ran an article on the scam, which raised awareness on the issue, helping Frankfort residents recognize the scam and contact the AG’s office.

“No deputy sheriff will ever call and ask you for money for a fine, to tell you that you have a warrant or that you have missed jury duty,” said Franklin County Sheriff Pat Melton. “The IRS will only contact you by letter. Don’t ever give your social security number or any information to anyone over the phone. Our seniors are on a fixed income, so if you have older parents please make sure they are aware of the scams and what to do. Please don’t fall for the scams. If it looks too good to be true, it probably it is.”

“As law enforcement agencies, our goal is to raise awareness and help protect Kentuckians from these con artists who are trying to rob taxpayers out of their money,” Beshear said. “And joining with local prosecutors, we will use every method to stop these scammers.”

Beshear and county sheriffs are asking consumers not to engage these callers and to contact the AG’s Office of Consumer Protection at 888-432-9257 or their local sheriffs’ office.

One of the critical missions of the AG’s Office is to help Kentucky families and seniors recognize and avoid scams. Beshear has recently warned consumers of a scam involving phone calls to Kentuckians claiming they had won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, a scam targeting victims of financial fraud, an IRS scam and the federal warrant scam.