Protecting Our Community from Scams
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal money and personal information, targeting people of all ages—but our senior population is especially at risk. Fraud is a billion-dollar industry, and at the Bowling Green Police Department, we dedicate significant time and resources to warning and educating our community about these ever-evolving threats.
From phone scams to online fraud, our goal is to keep you informed and empowered. This page serves as your resource for the latest scam alerts, prevention tips, and real-world examples to help you recognize and avoid these schemes. Protecting yourself starts with awareness, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
If you receive a call and successfully avoid the scam, there is no need to contact the police. You may report the scam HERE If you become a victim of a scam, you should contact the police department to file a report. If you live in the city limits, you should click HERE to file a report online or call 270-393-4000. If you live outside the city limits, contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 270-842-1633. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together, we can stop scammers in their tracks.
The best advice I can give is “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”
Common Scams:
The IRS Scam involves fraudsters impersonating IRS agents, threatening victims with arrest, lawsuits, or even deportation for unpaid taxes. The IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will they ask for personal information via email or text. These scams rely on fear and urgency, so if you receive such a call, hang up and verify directly with the court or the IRS.
In the Jury Duty Scam, scammers pose as law enforcement or court officials, claiming the victim has missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest. They use intimidation tactics, insisting on payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. Similarly, scammers say a warrant has been issued for your arrest and the police are on their way to your house. Instead of arrest, they offer a financial payout. This scam also requires gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
The Grandparent Scam preys on the love and concern seniors have for their grandchildren. Scammers call, often late at night, posing as a grandchild in distress or as a lawyer or police officer claiming the grandchild is in trouble. They may say the grandchild has been in an accident, arrested, or needs urgent help, and they pressure the victim to send money immediately—usually via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The scammer may even beg the grandparent "Please don’t tell Mom or Dad!" to prevent them from verifying the story. These criminals use fear and urgency to cloud judgment, making it crucial for seniors to pause, verify the situation with other family members, and never send money without confirmation.
The Facebook Marketplace Sales Scam targets both buyers and sellers with various tactics. One common scam involves a fake buyer offering to purchase an item but insisting on paying through a fraudulent method, such as an overpayment scam where they "accidentally" send too much money and request a refund before their original payment bounces. Another tactic involves scammers asking sellers to verify their identity through a fake link, which steals personal information. Some even use fake payment confirmation emails to trick sellers into handing over the item before realizing they were never paid. To stay safe, always use cash or secure payment methods, meet in public locations, and be cautious of buyers or sellers who rush the transaction or ask for unusual payment methods.
In the Computer Support Scam, fraudsters pose as tech support representatives from well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider. They may call you directly or trigger a pop-up warning on your screen, claiming your computer is infected with a virus or has a serious security issue. The scammer then pressures you to grant remote access to your device or pay for unnecessary software or services. Once inside your system, they can steal sensitive information, install malware, or demand further payments. Legitimate tech companies will never initiate unsolicited contact or ask for remote access to your computer. If you receive a suspicious call or pop-up, don’t engage—close the window, restart your device, and contact a trusted tech professional if needed.
The Facebook Marketplace Sales Scam targets both buyers and sellers with various tactics. One common scam involves a fake buyer offering to purchase an item but insisting on paying through a fraudulent method, such as an overpayment scam where they "accidentally" send too much money and request a refund before their original payment bounces. Another tactic involves scammers asking sellers to verify their identity through a fake link, which steals personal information. Some even use fake payment confirmation emails to trick sellers into handing over the item before realizing they were never paid. To stay safe, always use cash or secure payment methods, meet in public locations, and be cautious of buyers or sellers who rush the transaction or ask for unusual payment methods.
In the Lottery Scam, victims receive a call, email, or letter claiming they’ve won a large sum of money or a luxury prize—but they must first pay taxes, and processing fees, or provide personal information to claim it. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, insisting the victim act quickly before their "winnings" expire. In reality, legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes never require winners to pay fees upfront. If you didn’t enter a lottery, you can’t win. Never send money or share personal details in response to an unexpected prize notification.
In the Landscaping & Driveway Sealing Scam, fraudsters pose as contractors offering discounted services for driveway sealing, tree trimming, or other yard work. They often approach homeowners unsolicited, claiming they have leftover materials from a previous job and can offer a great deal. Once hired, they may demand payment upfront and then disappear without completing the work, or they may do a rushed, low-quality job that quickly deteriorates. Some even increase the price midway through the job, claiming unexpected costs. To avoid this scam, always research contractors, check reviews, get written estimates, and never pay in full upfront. Reputable professionals won’t pressure you into immediate decisions or demand cash-only payments.
How Can I get Telemarketers to Stop Calling Me
The federal government’s National “Do Not Call Registry” is a free, easy way to reduce the telemarking calls you get at home. To register your phone number or to get information about the registry, visit https://www.donotcall.gov/ or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you would like to register. Remember, the international scammers do not follow U.S. laws. Your best defense is to disconnect the call once you realize you are talking to a scammer.