Fake Law Enforcement Charity Scam Targeting Kentuckians

Con artists exploiting law enforcement charities to collect payment over the phone

FRANKFORT, KY.  – Attorney General Andy Beshear is warning Kentuckians of a fraudulent phone scam where a caller claims to represent a law enforcement charity.

Beshear said his office is receiving reports of a suspicious call, which appears to be coming from a Kentucky phone number, where a caller requests a donation to supposedly help police officers or law enforcement families.

Reports suggest the caller is seeking an immediate payment via methods that are difficult to trace and track – wire transfer, prepaid card or directly to an individual. When asked for details, the caller declines to answer questions or provide legitimate contact information.

Beshear reminds Kentuckians that not all charitable donation calls are scams and legitimate charities soliciting donations willingly provide information to donors.

“My office is working to ensure that Kentuckians who want to support legitimate charitable organizations are not taken advantage of by con artists,” Beshear said. “When making a charitable donation, I encourage donors to always research the organization before making a contribution.”

Beshear offered the following tips to help protect donors from fraudulent solicitations:

Visit the Attorney General’s website to find charities registered in Kentucky and to validate active charitable campaigns.

Verify the charity’s name, location, website and contact information.

Check what percentage of the charity’s income goes to its purpose on trusted sites like CharityNavigator.org.

Do not feel pressured to give money or financial information over the phone.

Ask for a donation form and charity information to be mailed or sent in writing.

Do not succumb to high-pressure tactics or send cash.

To report a concern about a charitable solicitation contact the Attorney General’s Office at 888-432-9257, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

One of Beshear’s top priorities is to protect Kentucky consumers, especially seniors from scams, abuse and exploitation. To help Kentuckians stay up to date on new and trending scams, Beshear launched Scam Alerts – a communication service that alerts Kentuckians when con artists are on the attack.

Beshear urges all Kentuckians to sign up for Scam Alerts by texting the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311). Or, enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.