Impersonating the Law for Profit

By Greg Collier
An alarming case unfolded in Clay County, Kentucky, when an individual from Ohio was taken into custody on charges of fraud and impersonating law enforcement. Authorities reported that the suspect contacted a local woman on September 17, claiming she was facing criminal charges and demanding money.
The situation escalated while the victim was in contact with the sheriff’s office. A deputy overheard a man instructing her over the phone to return home, wait until no one else was present, and expect him to arrive. Later that same day, the suspect appeared at her residence, where he was confronted by family members before fleeing.
Deputies located him shortly afterward, and the vehicle he was driving had been marked to resemble an unmarked police car, which added to the ruse. Authorities also learned from the victim’s son that money had already been taken.
This case underscores the dangers posed by impersonation scams that target vulnerable individuals in moments of fear and confusion. The outcome in this instance may have been far worse if the woman had been alone when he arrived at her home. Who knows what could have happened if she had faced him without the protection of her family?
Across the United States, fraud involving impersonation has been rising sharply. Reports to enforcement agencies show that scams impersonating government officials or law enforcement occur frequently and cost victims large sums. Older adults have lost tens of millions of dollars in recent years to schemes in which fraudsters pretend to represent trusted institutions and demand payment under threat of legal action. These schemes are growing more sophisticated. Tactics now often involve spoofed caller ID information so that the fraudster’s number appears to be that of a legitimate agency. Communications by email or text also have increased as means of initiating contact. The tools available to criminals, including those that replicate voices or identities via artificial intelligence, raise the stakes for unsuspecting victims.
When responding to suspicious contacts, keep in mind that real law enforcement will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards. Nor will they instruct someone to wait until no one else is present so an officer can come by without proper verification. It is advisable to remain calm, hang up, and reach out directly to the agency in question using a trusted phone number or website. Personal information should not be shared with unverified callers. Verification of identification is also crucial, whether the request is by phone, in person, or by electronic communication.
This incident offers a clear example of how impersonation scams can escalate if not interrupted. It also offers lessons about what protective measures individuals may take to avoid becoming victims.
Leave a Reply