Consumer alert: Attorney General Cameron warns Kentuckians of arrest warrant scams

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Attorney General Daniel Cameron issued a consumer alert Thursday to warn of scams related to fake arrest warrants.

In these schemes, scammers impersonate law enforcement in order to convince Kentuckians that they have an outstanding warrant for their arrest and must immediately make a payment for fake fines, according to a release by the attorney general’s office.

“Arrest warrant scams are not new, but this type of fraud is on the rise in Kentucky,” said Cameron. “Kentuckians in all 120 counties should be on guard for scammers who impersonate law enforcement and demand payment via gift cards or mobile payment apps. Report scams to ag.ky.gov/scams.”

Since January, the Attorney General’s office has seen an increase in reports of arrest warrant scams, and Kentuckians have reported losing over $41,000 to these scams, according to the release.

To carry out these schemes, scammers use phone numbers to impersonate members of law enforcement. The callers tell potential victims of an alleged outstanding warrant for their arrest due to missing jury duty or the violation of a federal subpoena and threaten arrest if a payment isn’t made immediately. Scammers usually demand payment and often require victims to remain in contact with them until the payment is made. Scammers tell victims they will be apprehended if they go to a police station before making a payment.

To avoid becoming a victim of an arrest warrant scam, contact the actual law enforcement agency at their official phone number if you are demanded to pay a fine to avoid arrest.

Law enforcement will not require a payment over the phone or through gift cards to resolve these matters. If there is a warrant for your arrest, you will not get a phone call warning you. A police officer or deputy would show up to make an arrest.