Kentucky Scam Targets Residents with Fake Jury Duty Calls for Bitcoin Fines
A new scam is targeting residents in Kentucky, using fake jury duty calls to pressure victims into paying fines in Bitcoin.
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) has issued a warning about the combined jury duty and cryptocurrency scam that's making the rounds in the state. Scammers claim to be local or state law enforcement officials who call and inform their victim of missed jury duty, then instruct them to pay a fine by withdrawing cash and sending it to a local cryptocurrency kiosk in Bitcoin.
The scammers' goal is to trick victims into sending money directly to themselves rather than paying a legitimate fine through official channels. Once the cryptocurrency is sent, it becomes extremely difficult or impossible to recover.
KSP advises residents to hang up immediately if they receive such a call and not send any money or personal information. Legitimate law enforcement officials do not ask for or accept Bitcoin as payment for fines.