Madison, Rowan, others issue scam warnings

MADISON, ROWAN COUNTIES, Ky. (WTVQ) – Scam artists are hard at work across Central and Eastern Kentucky, using a variety of old tricks to try to separate area residents from their money.

In Rowan County, Morehead Police say they’ve received reports of IRS and Social Security phone scams, among others, where callers use a variety of stories to try to get people to transfer money via prepaid cards such as Green Dot.

The callers will claims they have warrants for an arrest or a missed court date or an outstanding warrant for arrest due to criminal activity associated with a Social Security number, or some other tale.

These scammers try to get victims to buy gift cards to pay for the fees associated with the warrant. Once they get the numbers on the gift card, the scammer can use the money.

These types of scams are nearly impossible to trace, police say.

To avoid falling prey to this scam, Kentuckians should only use gift cards as gifts, and be sure to contact local officials directly with concerns about a warrant.

Law enforcement will never call for warrants or attempt to collect any funds over the phone.

Meanwhile, Madison County Sheriff’s deputies are having the same problem.

But there, callers are using the name of Capt. Sam Manley and asking for money due to an outstanding warrant. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office does not call and ask for money due to outstanding warrants and it doesn’t accept any payment in the form of gift cards.

If you have been a victim of this or any of the scams described at the Kentucky Attorney General’s website you may contact us at 859-623-1511.