LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Even in a highly advanced digital age, scams continue to pose a serious risk to families across Kentucky.
What You Need To Know
Kentuckians lost nearly $92 million to scams in 2025, according to the FTC
Chase Bank and Louisville Metro Police are raising awareness about scam prevention
Police cite challenges when money is sent outside local jurisdiction
Officials urge people to slow down and verify information before acting
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Kentuckians lost nearly $92 million to fraud and scams in 2025.
On Wednesday, Chase Bank and Louisville Metro Police worked together to educate the public on how to avoid losing significant amounts of money to scams.
“I get to be boots on the ground in the community, helping to spread awareness, working with other community leaders and partners to just share the knowledge because we’re all, I don’t care where you are, who you work for, or which are businesses,” said Erin Ray, a community manager at Chase Bank. “We’re all in it together because we’re all victims or could be victims.”
Ray said scams have affected people close to her, making it especially important for her to help others stay informed and protected.
Louisville Metro Police said one of the biggest challenges in handling fraud cases occurs when victims send money outside the city’s jurisdiction.
So far in 2026, LMPD has nearly 500 fraud investigations underway.
As phishing schemes and artificial intelligence make scams more sophisticated, police are urging the public to take a moment before making financial decisions.
“It’s really making sure that you’re investigating or looking into what it is that you’re going to be sending money to because a lot of times they’ll say ‘Oh, we can hold this.’ It’s ‘you need $1,000 to hold this car.’ And ten people are holding $1,000, and the car never even exists,” said Major Jill Bates of LMPD’s Major Crimes Unit.
So far this year, LMPD has recovered nearly $270,000.
In 2026, the department recovered more than $1 million in restitution.
Ray emphasized that scammers target everyone, not just the young or elderly.
She noted that fraud is a $12 billion problem nationwide and said staying informed can help people recognize warning signs.
“It would behoove everybody to get educated and share the information, whether it is for you or for loved ones, that you might take care of seniors. Unfortunately, with technology, it’s not going to go away,” Ray said. “You can never prevent someone from trying to be fraudulent, but you can be more aware and you can be safer.”
Officials advise anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam to contact law enforcement and their bank immediately.
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