Scammers are hitting Kentucky hard — and the state is fighting back.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new partnership between the Stop Scams Initiative and Kentucky State Police to share resources with law enforcement agencies statewide and better protect residents from fraud. The announcement came during National Consumer Protection Week on March 5, 2026.
The Numbers Are Alarming
According to the FBI’s most recent internet crime report, Kentuckians are losing more than $74 million every year to cyber scammers — and that’s only what gets reported. Officials warn the real impact is likely far greater.
“I want to emphasize these statistics are not just numbers — that’s hard earned savings. It’s our rent, our groceries, our tuition, even our retirement funds lost to those scammers,” said Tasha Stewart, Team Kentucky’s financial institution public information officer.
AI Is Making Scams Worse
Officials say scams are not only on the rise — they’re becoming more sophisticated as artificial intelligence gives criminals more powerful tools to impersonate people, businesses, and government agencies.
In fact, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet just issued a fresh warning this week about fraudulent text messages impersonating state agencies, warning residents of fake “unpaid traffic tickets” and directing them to click suspicious links. KYTC does not collect traffic fees or contact residents via text message.
What the Partnership Does
The Stop Scams Initiative — launched in August 2025 in partnership with the Better Business Bureau and AARP Kentucky — will now work directly with Kentucky State Police to:
- Quickly identify new and emerging scams
- Share educational resources with troopers and communities
- Connect victims with support services
- Spread awareness across the state faster than ever
Since launching, the program has gained more than 30,000 subscribers receiving scam alerts via text and email.
How to Protect Yourself: Pause. Check. Protect.
Team Kentucky recommends three steps before responding to any suspicious message or call:
- Pause — Were you expecting this contact? Does it feel off or too good to be true?
- Check — Research the offer independently. Talk to family or friends before taking action.
- Protect — Never share your Social Security number, bank information, or passwords with anyone you did not initiate contact with.
Report It
If you have been targeted by a scam, here is where to report it:
- 🔗 stopscams.ky.gov — Sign up for scam alerts
- 🔗 ic3.gov — FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- 🔗 reportfraud.ftc.gov — Federal Trade Commission
- 🔗 ag.ky.gov — Kentucky Attorney General
- 📱 Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier
South Central Kentucky business owners and residents — stay sharp. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Share this with someone who needs to see it.