Court system launches scam prevention webpage
The state court system launched its scams resources page Monday. The page can be found at kycourts.gov.
The webpage includes information on how to identify a scam and important tips so people can protect their finances and personal information. The website will also be updated with the latest scam alerts reported to the AOC.
Darren Allen, a retired Kentucky State Police detective who worked with the AOC on the initiative, said while the AOC doesn't receive daily scam reports, there are reports of people taken in jury duty scams. In a jury duty scam, the scammer calls, emails or even mails the victim, claiming they missed jury duty and now have a warrant out for their arrest. The scammer then demands an immediate payment, or else threatens to arrest the victim.
'These are very frustrating cases to work, and you feel sorry for the victims,' Allen said Monday. The webpage is 'a preventative measure' which will hopefully help people avoid being scammed, Allen said.
'There's not a lot of these that happen, but one is too many,' he said.
Allen said the courts and law enforcement will never call or email and demand money or else face arrest. Neither will the courts or law enforcement ask for personal information over the phone or email, such as Social Security number, banking information, passwords or PINs.
'The courts are very protective of (private) information' and won't request it over the phone, Allen said.
Allen ssaid scammers commonly pressure people to make a payment quickly, before they can think.
Scammers target the elderly, Allen said.
'Our elderly are law-abiding citizens. They are responsible and they want to keep their bills paid,' Allen said.
When a person calls claiming to be from a specific agency such as the court, Allen said people should ask questions and write down the answers. Scammers will often try to avoid answering questions, give excuses or will become angry.
A legitimate organization, Allen said, won't mind answering your questions, and will give you information you can verify.
'Take a breath, grab a notepad and a pen and say, 'now, tell me who you are and who you are with,' ' Allen said. 'That's the way to protect yourself, by asking questions.
'If they don't want to answer your questions or say, 'the written documentation is not out yet,' that's an immediate red flag,' Allen said. 'Just hang up the phone.'
The easiest way to verify if you have a warrant or missed jury duty is to call your county Circuit Clerk's office, Allen said.
If a person missed jury duty, or has any court related matter, the Circuit Clerk's office will be able to answer.
The state Attorney General's Office and the FBI investigate scams, as do local law enforcement agencies.
Allen, who did a video to promote the courts' anti-scam efforts, said he hopes people will be able to use the webpage to protect themselves.
'I'm glad I could participate' in the creation of the page, Allen said. 'I hope it's well-received.'
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