Louisville, KY – A local woman is sounding the alarm after nearly falling victim to a phone scam that tried to lure her to an unknown location, all while posing as a law enforcement officer. Shahara Ross, a Louisville resident who regularly receives calls for work, answered a call from a local 502 area code number last week, only to find herself caught in a fraudulent scheme.
The caller identified himself as a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and claimed that Ross had missed federal jury duty. He provided a badge number and proceeded to ask if she was aware that she had missed her scheduled jury service. Confused, Ross told the caller she had not been informed of any jury duty requirement for that day.
Despite not requesting any payment, the caller insisted that Ross verify her personal information and show up at a specific location. When Ross questioned the legitimacy of the call, the man directed her to hang up and call an 800 number extension to reach him directly.
Suspicious of the request, Ross took the prudent step of contacting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. After confirming that the call was indeed a scam, authorities warned that similar scams have been on the rise, with fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers and threatening arrests for supposed missed court dates or unpaid fees.
The Louisville Metro Police Department has recently issued a public warning through social media, advising residents that scammers often demand personal information, money, or even gift cards, falsely claiming affiliation with agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or local law enforcement.
Authorities emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request payments, personal information, or any other sensitive data over the phone. The sheriff’s office has urged residents to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls.
Ross, relieved that she avoided falling victim to the scam, expressed hope that her experience would encourage others to be on guard. “I’m just glad I stopped the conversation when I did,” Ross said.
For anyone who receives a suspicious call, law enforcement advises hanging up immediately and reporting the incident. Victims or anyone with concerns can contact the Louisville Metro Police Department at 502-574-5673 or file a report online. Additionally, the Administrative Office of the Courts for Kentucky provides resources for residents to learn more about scams and how to protect themselves.
As phone scams continue to proliferate, experts urge the public to be cautious and always verify the legitimacy of unexpected calls, especially those asking for personal information or money.
