Franklin County, Kentucky – On Sept. 3, Franklin County detectives apprehended Rehankumar D. Mekvan in connection with an alleged telephone scam that could have cost a county resident roughly $235,000. Sheriff Dwayne Depp highlighted the arrest as the third successful scam interception by the sheriff’s office this year.
Charges and alleged conduct
Mekvan faces a suite of charges, including engaging in organized crime, impersonating a peace officer, attempted theft by deception, and tampering with physical evidence. Additional counts cite obscuring the identity of a machine involving $10,000 or more, and failure to wear a seat belt during the alleged offense.
How the scam operated
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the scheme involved phone calls in which the caller pretended to be a law‑enforcement officer or a court official. Victims were told they owed money for missed court appearances, jury duty obligations, or to avoid arrest. The scammers demanded immediate payment, often via wire transfer or prepaid cards, threatening arrest if the victim did not comply.
Broader effort to protect residents
Deputies emphasized that the arrest is part of an ongoing effort to combat fraud that targets Kentucky residents through phone calls, emails, and other deceptive tactics. The sheriff’s office reminded the public that legitimate deputies will never call demanding money for missed court dates or jury duty.
Authorities also warned about technology‑related scams in which callers claim to represent Microsoft, operating‑system providers, or technical‑support companies. Scammers may allege that a computer is infected with a virus or that personal financial information is at risk, pressuring victims to grant remote access or pay for bogus services.
What residents should do
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who receives a suspicious call to contact the department or their local law‑enforcement agency before sending money or sharing personal information. Residents can reach the sheriff’s office at the non‑emergency number listed on the department’s website.
Community impact
Scams of this magnitude threaten the financial stability of families and undermine trust in legitimate government communications. By intercepting and prosecuting fraudsters, the sheriff’s office aims to safeguard the community’s hard‑earned resources and preserve confidence in public institutions.
Deputies continue to monitor fraud trends and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The department encourages community members to stay vigilant, verify any unexpected requests for payment, and report suspicious activity promptly.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
