Local Resident Out $2K In Jail Bond Scam

Darren Doyle, story:
A local resident has been taken for $2,000 in what Sheriff Shane Doyle described as "jail bond scam."

Sheriff Doyle said the unnamed resident received a phone call from someone claiming to be someone from the Edmonson County court system. The caller then advised the resident that a family member had been arrested and needed to make a $2,000 jail bond.

The caller then told the resident to wire the money via Western Union to a specific address, then present the wire transfer receipt to the Sheriff's Office so the arrested family member could make bond.

Sheriff Doyle said the caller specifically instructed for the resident to go to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, and even gave the real name of one of the current deputies.

Doyle said unfortunately, the resident wired the money and showed up at the Sheriff's Office, only to discover it was a scam.

"There are several things in this case that should raise red flags," said Doyle. "First, the Sheriff's Office isn't a place where one can make bond. That can only happen at the jail or the circuit clerk's office. Second, no governmental entity will ever contact you in this manner and ask for you to wire any money. Third, the courthouse doesn't call individuals to notify them of arrests."

Doyle said you should never wire money anywhere unless you can verify the address and can prove it is a legit transaction. 

"In the case of a jail bond, you will only pay that in person, at the jail or circuit's clerk's office, and if you receive a call from someone claiming to be an official, make sure it's a legit, published phone number."

For the victim, the $2,000 is long gone, according to the Sheriff.

"We have absolutely no way of tracking where this money went as whoever took it likely made a fake name and address. If you receive a phone call like this, or any type of call where you're being asked to wire money, make sure it can be verified. If not, contact the KY Attorney General's office and report this immediately."