Several scams circulating in Letcher County

LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Letcher County Sheriff’s Office is warning people of several scams making the rounds in the county.

According to a post on the office’s Facebook page, one of the scam’s involves receiving a check by USPS Priority Mail with a note instructing the recipient to cash the check and keep a portion of the amount.  Deputies say the checks are fake and if someone cashes the check, they could be responsible for paying back the full amount.  The checks look legitimate, so recipient beware.

Investigators say another scam involves someone calling on the phone, claiming to be an employee with IDA Federal Grants.  Deputies say the scam artists are calling from three different numbers and request money in order to get the grant process started.  Deputies say don’t fall for it.  It’s a scam.

The sheriff’s office says it’s also receiving reports that people are getting phone calls, supposedly from their children or grandchildren asking for money to get out of jail or that they’re in the hospital and need money.  Investigators say if you receive one of these calls, check with family members first to see if the call is legitimate.

Deputies say some people are receiving phone calls asking for the individual’s Medicare or Medicaid number.  Investigators say do not give the numbers out, or any personal or financial information to someone you don’t know.