The KSP says scammers, pretending to be local or state law enforcement, will call and claim that you missed jury duty, then pressure you to pay a fine to “resolve” the fake situation. The scammer instructs their victim to withdraw cash, take it to a local cryptocurrency kiosk and pay the fine in Bitcoin. Instead of going to law enforcement to pay a legitimate fine, this money goes directly to the scammer.
This scam was reported in Bowling Green but could expand to other communities in the state, so all Kentuckians should be on the lookout. If you receive this phone call, immediately hang up.
Once cryptocurrency is sent, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover. Do not send money or give any personal information. Legitimate law enforcement officials do not ask for or accept cryptocurrency as payment for fines.
KSP says to use the Pause, Check, and Protect method to help spot and avoid scams. If you’re unsure whether a call is legitimate, take a moment to verify the information through an official source before taking any action.
Go to StopScams.ky.gov to learn more about this scam and others being reported around the state.
Bitcoin vending machine. (AP Photo Charles Krupa)
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Kentucky Today source article
