Emerging Telephone Scam Alert in Warren County

WCSO Warns About Emerging Telephone Scam Circulating in Warren County

LATEST SCAM ALERT IN BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY

In an era when technology has become a critical tool in our daily lives, it has, unfortunately, also become a dangerous instrument for scammers. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) recently issued a ‘Scam Alert’ warning residents about an ongoing scam being reported in the Bowling Green area of Kentucky.

In the reported incident, a resident of Warren County received a phone call from a seemingly local number – 270-249-9856. The caller identified himself as “Sergeant Ken” claiming to represent the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. The fraudster told the residents that they had missed a federal court summons and were, therefore, required to pay a fine amounting to $1,500.

The Walmart Connection

In a twist to the scam, the supposed ‘Sergeant Ken’ directed the victims to settle the fine at a Walmart near them. The scammer texted codes to the victims, instructing them to scan the codes at the store. This led the WCSO to caution citizens to be extremely skeptical of such calls.

One resident, sharp enough to recognize the scam, did not go to Walmart as requested. Instead, they approached the sheriff’s office to verify the call. Upon confronting the news from the sheriff’s office, the scammer reportedly “became irate.” The WCSO affirmed that they do not make calls nor send text messages concerning missed court dates or issuance of warrants – dismissing the phone-call scam as fraudulent.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

The WCSO is urging the public to remain vigilant against any suspicious phone calls or text messages that ask for personal details, money, or carry instructions to undertake certain actions like the Walmart scan codes. They remind residents to never share personal, banking, or credit card information over the phone unless they can confidently verify the identity of the caller.

The public should also note that respected organizations including law enforcement agencies do not typically accept payments, fines or solicitation in forms such as gift cards, which the scammers might request.

According to the WCSO, non-legitimate entities or people may often apply manipulative tactics, such as creating a false sense of urgency, posing as trusted officials, or using scare tactics to instill fear. Subsequently, they urge everyone to always crosscheck before responding to such demands or orders via calls, texts, or emails.

If a resident receives any such phone call, they are asked to hang up immediately and inform the WCSO or local law enforcement about the incident. They should not provide any information to the fraudulent callers or engage in any form of transactions as prompted.

All rights reserved. This warning has been issued by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky, to help protect the community and provide education on how to guard against fraudulent phone calls. Stay cautious and keep your personal details safe.