Bowling Green, KY, July 29, 2025
News Summary
The Bowling Green Police Department has alerted residents about a fraudulent scam where impersonators pose as police officers, claiming that victims owe fines for outstanding warrants or traffic tickets. Victims are coerced into making payments via unconventional methods like gift cards or cryptocurrencies, facing threats of arrest. BGPD emphasizes that they do not collect payments in such a manner and advises residents to report suspicious calls immediately. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office also confirms similar scams in the area, urging vigilance among community members.
Bowling Green, KY – The Bowling Green Police Department (BGPD) is urging residents to be vigilant against an ongoing fake warrant scam in the community. Reports indicate that scammers are impersonating police officers and claiming that victims have outstanding warrants or unpaid traffic tickets.
Victims of this scam are reportedly told to make payments to clear these supposed liabilities using gift cards or Bitcoin. The scammers often threaten their targets with arrest if they fail to comply with the payment demands, creating a sense of urgency that they exploit to pressure individuals into handing over money.
In a proactive measure to protect the public, BGPD has emphasized that they do not accept fine payments or engage in payment collections. This distinctive practice serves as a critical warning for community members, indicating that any request for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency should be regarded as a red flag for potential fraud.
Residents are advised to disengage from such calls immediately and instead report any suspicious activity directly to the BGPD by contacting them at 270-393-4000. The importance of verifying the identity of any caller claiming to be associated with law enforcement is paramount, as scammers are skilled at impersonating credible figures.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has also alerted local residents about a similar scam occurring in the area. Scammers have been posing as Deputy Bill Stephens, claiming individuals face legal consequences for missing court or jury duty. In another layer of deception, some victims have been sent fake legal documents purportedly from law enforcement authorities.
These scammers, akin to those reported by the BGPD, are instructing victims to make payments in cash converted to DogeCoin or Bitcoin, emphasizing again the use of unconventional payment methods as a common tactic for scams. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has stated unequivocally that no legitimate warrants can be settled with payments made using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or any cryptocurrency.
Residents with concerns about any fraudulent activity or related scams are urged to reach out to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at (270) 842-1633 for assistance and guidance on how to proceed if faced with potential scams.
As a final note, BGPD has advised community members to refrain from sharing any personal information during unsolicited calls, reinforcing the critical need for vigilance in today’s increasingly digital world. The goal is to ensure the safety and security of all residents against these manipulative practices.
FAQ Section
What is the fake warrant scam being reported by the Bowling Green Police Department?
The fake warrant scam involves scammers impersonating police officers and claiming that victims have outstanding warrants or unpaid traffic tickets, demanding payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
What methods are scammers using to collect payments?
Scammers are requesting payments via gift cards, Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies like DogeCoin, often threatening victims with arrest if they do not comply immediately.
How can residents report suspicious calls?
Residents are encouraged to hang up and immediately contact the Bowling Green Police Department at 270-393-4000 or the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at (270) 842-1633 if they suspect a scam.
What should individuals do if they receive a suspicious call claiming to be law enforcement?
Individuals should not share any personal information and should verify the identity of the caller before proceeding. It is advisable to contact local law enforcement directly to confirm any claims made by the caller.
Key Features of the Scam
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Impersonation | Scammers pose as police officers or legal authorities. |
| Threats | Victims are threatened with arrest if they do not pay. |
| Payment Methods | Requests often involve gift cards, Bitcoin, or cryptocurrency. |
| Advice | Hang up and contact local authorities if contacted |
| Community Awareness | Various local police departments are actively warning the public. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Residents on Alert as Scammers Target the Community
Bowling Green Residents Alerted to Rising Scams
Additional Resources
- WNKY: Bowling Green Police Warn of Warrant Scam
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- WNKY: Bowling Green Police Raise Awareness of Gift Card Scam
- Google Search: Gift Card Scam
- WBKO: What is Real Spotting Hoax in the Information Age?
- Google Scholar: Scams
- WBKO: Warren County Sheriff’s Office Warns About Phone Scam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scam
- WNKY: Bowling Green Police Warn of Ongoing Scam
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
