News Summary
The FBI held an awareness program at the Knicely Conference Center for Bowling Green residents, educating them about various scams, including cryptocurrency and romance fraud. Supervisor William Kurtz shared essential safety tips, urging people to stay vigilant against deceitful practices and to report suspicious activities. Local police highlighted the rise of scam messages claiming to be from the IRS and cautioned parents about calls claiming their children are in distress. The community is encouraged to stay informed to combat these ongoing threats.
Bowling Green Residents Get Schooled on Scams at FBI Awareness Program
In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital, scams are popping up everywhere, and Bowling Green, Kentucky isn’t exempt. Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) brought together community members at the Knicely Conference Center, situated on the lovely campus of Western Kentucky University (WKU), to share some crucial knowledge about these deceptive practices. The aim? To combat the rising tide of fraud incidents that are catching unwary citizens off guard.
A Spotlight on the Scams
Supervisory Special Agent William Kurtz hosted the informative session, shedding light on the most common scams swinging through the region right now. Participants were introduced to various types of scams that have been making the rounds, including tricky schemes involving cryptocurrency, the ever-deceptive romance fraud, and the notorious impersonation scams.
Simple Tips to Stay Safe
To help folks stay one step ahead of deceitful schemes, Kurtz shared three essential tips that everyone can put to use:
- Don’t click on unknown links – If you don’t know where it’s from, keep your finger off that mouse!
- Avoid responding to messages from people you don’t recognize – If it’s legit, they won’t mind contacting you another way.
- Never send money to unverified individuals or businesses – Always meet in person or conduct a thorough check before completing any transactions.
If, unfortunately, you find yourself falling victim to one of these scams, it’s critical to take immediate action. Victims are encouraged to stop any further contact, cease transferring funds, and report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) right away.
Local Cautionary Tales
Scams are not just a far-off problem; they are evolving right here in Bowling Green. The local Police Department has been on high alert due to a particular scam using text messages that fraudulently claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These messages offer an enticing but completely bogus $1,400 economic impact payment. Residents are being urged to ignore the links included in such messages and never share their personal information with strangers.
But that’s not all! Reports have circulated about an unnamed individual allegedly selling candy on behalf of Upward Sports without proper authorization. The local Chamber of Commerce has stepped in to notify businesses, ensuring that everyone is on the lookout for these fraudulent sales attempts.
Parents Beware!
Melissa Bailey, the trustworthy public information officer at WKUPD, has stressed the importance of staying informed about these types of scams. Reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement is not only your responsibility; it helps keep the entire community safer.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe!
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: FBI Hosts Program on Scam Awareness in Bowling Green
- Wikipedia: Scam
- WNKY: Bowling Green Police Raise Awareness of IRS Scam
- Google Search: Scam Awareness
- Sentinel-Tribune: BG Community Warned of Candy Selling Scam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- WKU Herald: Scam Targets WKU Students, Parents Posing as WKUPD Officers
- Google News: Scams in Bowling Green
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.
