Pulaski County officials say they’ve lost nearly $2 million from suspected fraud.
A news release from the county says the payments were made to someone posing as the medical services provider for the county’s jail, Turn Key Health Clinics, LLC. The county says approximately $1.9 million in public funds were diverted to the suspected fraudsters over a period of several months.
The release says the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was contacted on June 19 by someone posing as an accounts receivable representative from the company, instructing the sheriff’s office to switch its payment method and update banking information. The suspected fraud wasn’t discovered until last week, when a representative from Turn Key told the sheriff’s office they hadn’t received payment in months.
A subsequent review by the county’s information technology team found the initial email requesting the change appeared to be fraudulent. County officials were able to recover the most recent payment of $126,344.87 once the fraud was discovered.
County officials say an investigation is ongoing, and that the FBI has been notified.
"Modern scammers are increasingly clever, deceptive, and sophisticated in how they manipulate digital communications to target organizations, businesses, and individuals. We strongly encourage everyone to exercise extreme vigilance when receiving phone calls, text messages, or emails that discuss financial matters, banking changes, or payment instructions. Always independently verify any requested changes through trusted, direct contact channels before taking action,” a news release from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office reads.
