Local judge warns against warrant scam
Dec. 14—CATLETTSBURG — Boyd County Circuit Judge George Davis is warning locals of a recent phone scam during the holiday season, saying no official or law enforcement officer will ever demand or ask for money.
The widespread scam is sophisticated, according to Davis, as the perpetrators have disguised their phone numbers to appear as though the call originates from a local law enforcement agency.
Appearing to be a legitimate phone number, the scammers then inform answerers they must pay hundreds of dollars over the phone for failing to appear for a jury summons or to clear up bench warrants.
In Boyd County, Davis said the scammers have identified themselves as working for the Boyd County Sheriff's Department, going as far to use actual law enforcement officers' names.
Davis said he and the Boyd County Clerk's office have received word from multiple citizens about the scam and, unfortunately, several have fallen for it, sending money via BitCoin, pre-paid cards, online and even by personal credit card.
If a resident does happen to have a warrant, Davis said, they would be served legitimate court paperwork by a uniformed official and would not receive notification via telephone call.
If a legitimate warrant is served, it wouldn't be cleared up through a monetary payment over the phone, Davis said.
"No legitimate court official or law enforcement officer will call you asking or demanding money," Davis said.
Louisville Metro Police Department issued a statement in late summer, advising the scam hit its city as well.
"It is a concern that public trust is being exploited," the statement read.
Louisville's release stated the scam had been attempted multiple times and national polling showed its a "common scam that pops up around the country."
Davis said he believes the scam was being looked into on the federal level and instructed citizens to contact the clerk's office before acknowledging or sending money to "clear" a court matter.
Reach Boyd County's Circuit Clerk's Office at (606) 739-4131.
(606) 326-2652
