AG announces ‘Scam Alerts’ service to protect consumers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – On Thursday, the Attorney General, along with Kroger, AARP and over 25 other partner organizations announced the launch of Scam Alerts – a text messaging service that notifies consumers when con artists are on the attack.

Kentuckians can sign up for Scam Alerts by texting KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311,) or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.

The Scam Alerts service aims to combat the steep climb in reports of scams targeting Kentuckians by phone, mail and email.

Nationally, last year more than 3 million consumers were conned out of $765 million. Seniors lose nearly $37 billion a year to elder financial abuse.

The Attorney General offered several tips to help senior citizens and all Kentuckians stay ahead of scammers.

• Hang up. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine. And, avoid robocalls by registering your number on Kentucky’s No Call list.
• Do not pay upfront. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not threaten you for upfront payments.
• Do not wire money or send reloadable credit/ gift cards to people you do not know. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not require you to use these payment methods.
• Slow down. Con artists prey on fear and want to scare you in to taking action very quickly. Before you issue payment or provide your personal information, verify the business by researching it online or calling a family member or neighbor.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.