Police in central Kentucky are warning residents about a scam that seeks to take advantage of human kindness as the holiday season approaches. Danville Police Chief Tony Gray says local authorities have dealt with several residents who were defrauded out of money through a "relative in jail" scam.
Several Danville residents wired hundreds or even thousands of dollars overseas because they believed a distant relative was incarcerated and needed bail money.
Gray told The Advocate Messenger that the scammer emails or calls a relative claiming to be a cousin, uncle, niece, or grandchild in distress overseas.
Checking with other relatives can help someone determine if a relative is in genuine need of bail money.