FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky has been awarded more than $780,000 in federal funding that will be used to help protect residents from scams, fraud and price gouging during the coronavirus pandemic. Beshear announced the funding Wednesday in a statement. The Attorney General’s Office will receive funding to hire staff to address rampant COVID-related consumer fraud, scams and price-gouging complaints. The office will also get funding for an investigator dedicated to financial fraud and exploitation targeting seniors. Funding will also go to the Department of Public Advocacy for a pilot project that addresses the adverse effects of COVID-19 on indigent clients.