Enhanced Online Platform, "Stop Scams," Boosts Security for Citizens: Focusing on Awareness, Reports, and Education
Kentucky Launches StopScams.ky.gov to Protect Citizens from Scams
In a bid to safeguard citizens from the growing threat of scams, the Kentucky government has launched a new website, StopScams.ky.gov. The initiative, spearheaded by Gov. Andy Beshear, aims to provide a comprehensive resource for identifying, reporting, and recovering from scams.
The website is the result of a collaborative effort among state agencies, private resources, the Better Business Bureau, and AARP Kentucky. Commissioner Gibson of the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) emphasised that this joint endeavour is driven by a common goal of protecting Kentuckians from scams.
Empowering Consumers with Information
The new website serves as a one-stop resource for Kentuckians, offering educational materials to help recognise scams, verify information, and protect personal data. AARP Kentucky's Volunteer State President, Gary Adkins, urged all Kentuckians to be vigilant against scams, emphasising the importance of pausing, checking, and protecting one's information.
Real-time Scam Alerts
Kentuckians can register to receive real-time scam alerts through email or text messages, keeping them informed about emerging scams. This feature is designed to help reach vulnerable populations such as older adults and veterans.
Reporting and Recovery
The website facilitates reporting scams to state authorities, enabling better identification and tracking of fraud schemes. It also provides assistance avenues for victims to recover their money after falling prey to scams.
Community Engagement
The website provides details about Scam Jam workshops, shredding events, and the Team Kentucky Stop Scams booth at the Kentucky State Fair to promote direct community engagement and scam education.
Combating a Significant Issue
Scams are costing Kentuckians over $74 million each year, according to a 2024 FBI report. The program is positioned as an essential tool empowering consumers with trusted information and practical support to stay a step ahead of scammers.
Ongoing Efforts
The launch of StopScams.ky.gov is part of an ongoing effort to combat scams in Kentucky. Secretary Perry stated that scammers will go to great lengths to steal money, and once they have it, recovery is often impossible. Reanna Smith-Hamblin, BBB President and CEO, expressed that the website's launch will allow their efforts to go even further in keeping personal information and hard-earned dollars out of scammers' hands.
[1] StopScams.ky.gov
[2] Kentucky State Fair
[3] AARP Kentucky
[4] Better Business Bureau
- The new website, StopScams.ky.gov, is launched by the Kentucky government to protect citizens from scams, offering education, real-time alerts, and resources to report and recover from scams.
- The website, a collaborative effort by state agencies, private resources, Better Business Bureau, and AARP Kentucky, serves as a one-stop resource for recognizing scams, verifying information, and protecting personal data for all Kentuckians.
- Kentuckians can register on StopScams.ky.gov to receive real-time scam alerts, keeping them informed about emerging scams, and protecting vulnerable populations like older adults and veterans.
- The website facilitates reporting scams to state authorities, providing assistance avenues for victims to recover their money after falling prey to scams. It also lists workshops, shredding events, and the Team Kentucky Stop Scams booth at the Kentucky State Fair for direct community engagement and scam education.
- Scams cost Kentucky citizens over $74 million each year, according to a 2024 FBI report. The website's launch is part of an ongoing effort led by the Kentucky government to combat scams and protect citizens' personal-finance and personal-growth.
