NEWS RELEASE
FRANKFORT, KY. (Jan. 25, 2016) – Kentuckians are being targeted over the phone by scam artists claiming to be a “Sergeant Joe Crews” who can help them resolve a federal warrant that has been issued against them.
Attorney General Andy Beshear is warning consumers not to fall for this scam, the latest in a series of scams that his Office of Consumer Protection is tracking across Kentucky.
“These scam artists are using fear to prey on Kentuckians,” Beshear said. “If you receive the call, hang up.”
Beshear said law enforcement does not contact Kentuckians over the phone concerning federal warrants and would never ask for money. Beshear is asking consumers not to engage these callers and to contact his Office of Consumer Protection at 888-432-9257 or their local law enforcement agency.
The Office of the Attorney General began receiving consumer complaints about this scam last week. After reaching out to the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association, the AG’s office found local law enforcement agencies have received calls from consumers regarding this scam.
Beshear said this scam is similar to the “IRS Scam” or the “Payday Lender Scam” where scam artists tell callers there is a warrant for their back taxes owed or there is an unpaid loan from a pay day lender.
One of the critical missions of the Office of the Attorney General is to help Kentucky families and seniors recognize and avoid scams. Beshear has recently warned consumers of a scam involving phone calls to Kentuckians claiming they had won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and another scam targeting victims of financial fraud.
“In my two weeks of office already I am seeing a large number of attempts by scammers to take Kentuckians’ money,” Beshear said. “Our best defense is making sure the public is aware of these scams and not falling victim to their claims.”
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