Frankfort, KY — After multiple reports of losses totaling $85,000 in cash, Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear has issued a scam alert to warn of an uptick in mail scams targeting senior citizens. While prepaid debit cards and gift cards remain popular for scammers to use to steal from Kentuckians, Beshear said senior citizens in several counties sent $85,000 in cash to scammers posing as computer repair technicians, a family member in jail and a government official awarding grants. Two other potential victims reported a scammer claiming to be a family member needing help after a car wreck, but no money was lost. Beshear said his office was able to work with a UPS employee in Ashland to recover one package with $6,000 in cash for the victim in Greenup County. Beshear reminds Kentuckians of these tips: Never provide personal or financial information, be wary of deals that sound too good to be true, never send upfront fees using wire transfer, gift cards or cash and don’t feel scared or pressured to act. Take your time and verify. Kentuckians victimized by scams are urged to file a complaint with Beshear’s office online or by calling 1-888-432-9257.
