Caller seeks immediate payment
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 27, 2016) — Attorney General Andy Beshear today warned Kentuckians of a fraudulent phone scam where a caller claims to represent a law enforcement charity.
Beshear’s office is receiving reports of a suspicious call, which appears to be coming from a Kentucky phone number, where a caller requests a donation to supposedly help police officers or law enforcement families.
Reports suggest the caller is seeking an immediate payment via methods that are difficult to trace and track — wire transfer, prepaid card or directly to an individual. When asked for details, the caller declines to answer questions or provide legitimate contact information.
Beshear offered the following tips to help protect donors from fraudulent solicitations:
- Visit the Attorney General’s website to find charities registered in Kentucky and to validate active charitable campaigns.
- Verify the charity’s name, location, website and contact information.
- Check what percentage of the charity’s income goes to its purpose on trusted sites like CharityNavigator.org.
- Do not feel pressured to give money or financial information over the phone.
- Ask for a donation form and charity information to be mailed or sent in writing.
- Do not succumb to high-pressure tactics or send cash.
To report a concern about a charitable solicitation contact the Attorney General’s Office at 888-432-9257, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Scam Alerts can be acquired by texting the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311). Or, enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.
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