Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear’s office has issued a new scam warning after a mobile deposit scam cost one Kentuckian $10,000.
The Franklin County resident provided her bank account information online to what appeared to be a legitimate bank. She was depositing a $10,000 personal loan. The “lender” claimed there was an issue with the deposit and the money needed to be returned and reissued. After sending the money back using an untraceable method of payment, the victim’s bank detected that the loan check was counterfeit and the victim was stuck repaying the bank.
The Office of the Attorney General says that until the bank confirms that funds from a check you deposit have cleared, you are responsible for any funds withdrawn against that check. Even if the funds appear to be immediately available, that doesn’t mean the check is good. The AG's office advises verifying checks and loans before depositing them, and never using untraceable methods of payment.
To report scams or identity theft to the Office of the Attorney General fill out the online consumer complaint form. For additional information from the Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid fake check scams, visit the FTC website.
To enroll in scam alerts text the words KYOAG Scam to GOV-311 (468-311) orgo online to ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.
