FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentuckians are urged to be vigilant against scams involving fake arrest warrants bearing the forged signatures of court personnel and law enforcement officers.

Scammers are sending fraudulent warrants, demanding payment to avoid arrest. While such scams are not uncommon or isolated to Kentucky, the forgeries are becoming more sophisticated. The fraudulent warrants may display the Kentucky Court of Justice seal, a case number and list various charges including such offenses as failure to appear and missed jury duty.

In these types of scams, recipients are typically instructed to call a number to get a settlement, provide personal identifying information, wire money or provide gift card numbers.

A valid arrest warrant would not be served by phone, text or email. Kentucky courts and law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone or a gift card number to satisfy an obligation.

To verify legal actions, contact the Circuit Court Clerk in the county indicated in the communication. Individuals who have been contacted or victimized by scammers should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency.