KENTUCKY, USA — As Black Friday approaches, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the Kentucky Retail Federation are teaming up to warn shoppers about gift card scams.

The scams often involve false claims that an arrest warrant can be cleared with prepaid cards.

“Criminals often pressure people to buy gift cards to resolve a supposed arrest warrant,” said Darren Allen, manager of the Division of Court Security at the AOC. “These schemes typically begin with a call, text or email that claims immediate payment is required to avoid arrest or legal action.”

“Scammers try to create panic and push people into quick decisions,” Allen said. “Courts and law enforcement will never ask anyone to pay fines or fees with gift cards. If you get a message like that, stop and check befor

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