Enhanced Online Platform, "Stop Scams," Focuses on Citizen Safety - Emphasizing Awareness, Reporting, and Education
Protecting Kentuckians from Scams: Team Kentucky Launches StopScams.ky.gov
In an effort to combat the growing issue of online scams, Governor Andy Beshear announced the launch of a new initiative to help protect Kentuckians from falling victim to these nefarious activities. At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a one-stop resource website named StopScams.ky.gov.
The website serves as a comprehensive hub for information on how to spot scams, report them, and recover losses if a scam is successful. With its user-friendly design, the platform offers a range of resources to help Kentuckians stay informed and protected.
Key features of StopScams.ky.gov include information on how to recognize different types of scams, easy access to reporting mechanisms for suspected scams, resources and guidance to help recover lost money, an option to subscribe to direct scam alerts for timely warnings, and partnership involvement from state agencies, the Better Business Bureau, AARP, and private resources to provide trusted, up-to-date information.
In addition to the new website, Kentucky's broader effort to protect its residents includes educational campaigns, outreach to vulnerable groups, and collaboration among various agencies. The campaigns emphasize the message: "Pause, check, and protect" - encouraging people to pause before responding, verify information using trusted sources, and protect their personal information. Outreach is particularly focused on older adults, veterans, and the general public to equip them against increasingly sophisticated scams.
Secretary Perry stressed the importance of identifying scams early to protect both financial and emotional wellbeing. Commissioner Gibson thanked Governor Beshear, state government cabinet leadership teams, law enforcement, the Better Business Bureau, and the Kentucky Chapter of the AARP for their long-term commitment to helping consumers. AARP Kentucky Volunteer State President Gary Adkins expressed support for the new initiative, particularly its focus on protecting older adults and veterans from scams.
The Better Business Bureau is partnering with Team Kentucky and AARP on StopScams.ky.gov, expanding their educational efforts across Kentucky. BBB President and CEO Reanna Smith-Hamblin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Team Kentucky and AARP on this initiative, looking forward to a continued partnership.
Marni Rock Gibson, commissioner of PPC's Department of Financial Institutions, noted that the new initiative is a collaborative effort among various agencies with a common goal of keeping Kentuckians safe from scams. The Public Protection Cabinet is excited to lead this initiative, emphasizing the importance of empowering people to spot scams and sharing information about known scams.
Kentuckians are encouraged to visit StopScams.ky.gov to learn more about protecting themselves from scams, subscribe to scam alerts, and participate in educational events. By working together, we can reduce scam victimization in Kentucky and ensure a safer digital environment for all its residents.
- Secretary Perry highlighted the importance of identifying scams early to preserve both financial and emotional wellbeing, emphasizing the need to equip vulnerable groups like older adults and veterans with knowledge to combat increasingly complex scams.
- Commissioner Gibson lauded Governor Beshear, state government cabinet leadership teams, law enforcement, the Better Business Bureau, and the Kentucky Chapter of AARP for their long-term commitment to helping consumers, expressing gratitude for their collective effort in launching the StopScams.ky.gov initiative.
- The comprehensive educational campaigns initiated by the Kentucky government encourage the public to adhere to the message: "Pause, check, and protect," emphasizing the importance of verifying information before responding and safeguarding personal information.
- In addition to the newly launched StopScams.ky.gov, the Better Business Bureau and AARP have expanded their partnership with Team Kentucky to provide a broader range of educational resources in the areas of business, technology, education-and-self-development, and sports.
