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Phone scammers claiming to be sheriff’s deputies asking for money to resolve federal warrants

Reports in Madison, Clark and Franklin counties

LEXINGTON, KY. (Feb. 11, 2016) — Officials in Clark, Franklin and Madison counties have reported phone scams where callers claim to be sheriff’s deputies who can help residents resolve a federal warrant — for a price.

sheriffAttorney General Andy Beshear and a group of Central Kentucky sheriffs joined forces today to raise awareness on the issue and to inform Kentuckians that law enforcement does not contact residents 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. “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 calling their residents to scam them. Beshear’s Office of Consumer Protection also received numerous calls from Franklin County residents on the scam.

“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,” said Jerry Wagner, executive director of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association.

Beshear and 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.