FRANKFORT, Ky. — There's a new scam going around targeting Kentuckians. Some residents are receiving fake arrest warrants from scammers who demand payment to avoid arrest.
A spokesperson for Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts warned the arrest warrants may look real, but contain forged signatures of court personnel and law enforcement officers.
"While such scams are not uncommon or isolated to Kentucky, the forgeries are becoming more sophisticated," an official said. "The fraudulent warrants may display the Kentucky Court of Justice seal, a case number and list various charges including such offenses as failures to appear and missed jury duty."
Typically, residents will be instructed to call a number to get a settlement, provide personal identifying information, wire money or provide gift card numbers to the scammer.
Officials warned scammers may even fake a phone number on caller ID so it appears a call is coming from a court facility or another government agency.
"A valid arrest warrant would not be served by phone, text or email," officials explained. "Kentucky courts and law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone or a gift card number to satisfy an obligation."
To check the status of a legal action, contact the local Circuit Court Clerk's office indicated in the possible scam message.
If you believe you have been contacted or victimized by scammers, contact local police immediately.
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