State issues fraud warning: Beware of fake arrest warrants – Lane Report

Kentucky residents are urged to be alert to scams involving fake warrants bearing the forged signatures of court and police officials.

Fraudsters are sending out fake warrants and demanding payment to avoid arrest. While such scams are not uncommon or limited to Kentucky, the forgeries are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudulent warrants may display the Kentucky Court seal and a case number, and may list various charges, including misdemeanors such as failure to appear in court and failure to serve as a juror.

This type of scam typically asks recipients to call a number to receive payment, provide personal identification information, transfer money, or provide gift card numbers.

Scammers may even provide a fake phone number on the caller ID so that the call appears to be coming from a court or other government agency. A valid warrant would not be served by phone, text message, or email. Courts and law enforcement in Kentucky will never ask for a payment over the phone or a gift card number to fulfill an obligation.

To verify legal action, contact the clerk of court for the county indicated in the notice. Individuals who have been contacted by or fallen victim to scammers should contact their local law enforcement agency immediately.