Identity Theft Scam Targets Inmates

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 1, 2011) — A bogus letter claiming to be from a nonexistent "University of Kentucky Law Research Department" appears to be an identity-theft scam targeting jail inmates.

The letter claims that researchers have "discovered many discrepancies" in police reports leading to the inmate's arrest and offers to provide free legal services, boasting an "85 percent dismissal rate in all reviewed cases." In return, the inmate is asked to provide confidential information, including a Social Security number.

The University of Kentucky does not have a "Law Research Department," nor does the university initiate contact with inmates to offer free legal services.

"These letters did not come from the University of Kentucky or the UK College of Law," said UK spokesman Jay Blanton. "It appears to be an attempt to trade upon the university's good reputation, in order to gain the trust of individuals who may be vulnerable and in real need of legal assistance."

So far, two such letters have come to the attention of UK officials. However, there may be others. One  letter, bearing a postmark from Bedford Park, Ill., appears to be nearly identical to one sent earlier this year to inmates in Cook County Jail in Chicago, claiming to be from the "Northwestern Law Research Department."

Members of the public are advised to be suspicious of any unsolicited communication asking them to provide confidential information in exchange for "free" goods or services, a tactic often employed in identity-theft scams. Individuals who suspect they have been targeted for identity theft are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Hautala, (859) 323-2396; keith.hautala@uky.edu