RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In the most recent report from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, authorities have issued a warning about more scam attempts targeting residents in the area. According to the Sheriff's Office, an individual posing as a deputy by the name of Sgt. Joe Walker has been making fraudulent calls to local residents.
It is important to note that the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office categorically states that there is no deputy named Sgt. Joe Walker within their ranks. The imposter has been contacting people and instructing them to call back at 615-245-5228, claiming it is regarding a "very important matter." Residents are strongly advised not to return the call and to hang up immediately.
This deceptive tactic is a clear attempt to exploit unsuspecting individuals and coerce them into parting with their hard-earned money. The Sheriff’s Office urges the community to remain vigilant and if you receive a phone call as described above - DO NOT return the call. The Sheriff’s Office recommends people who receive the call to simply hang up.
Residents are encouraged to share this information with friends and family to prevent further victims from being targeted by this scam. And as always, if you or someone you know has been a target of this or any other scam, please report it to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. Staying informed and cautious is key to safeguarding the community against such deceptive practices.
PREVIOUS REPORT (Jan. 22, 2024) - The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is again alerting residents to a recent phone scam attempt in the area, urging caution and awareness among the community. The incident involved a potential victim who managed to avoid falling prey to the scam.
According to a report from the Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred when a woman received an incoming call from the number 615-675-0875. The caller, falsely claiming to be from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, informed her that she had missed a court date—an assertion the woman knew to be untrue.
Upon the potential victim's refusal to cooperate, the scam artist displayed signs of frustration and eventually hung up when the woman refused to disclose personal information. The caller had attempted to obtain the victim's address, raising concerns about the potential misuse of such sensitive information.
The vigilant potential victim promptly reported the incident to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, expressing a desire to warn others about the scam. This proactive step is crucial in preventing others from falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
In previous instances of such scams, perpetrators often attempt to instill fear in victims, coercing them into making payments over the phone through various deceptive tactics. This may involve instructing victims to purchase prepaid credit cards and then divulge the card numbers to access the funds.
Law enforcement emphasizes that the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office does not contact individuals to inform them of missed court dates. Authorities urge residents to exercise caution and refrain from providing personal information over the telephone to thwart potential scams.
The Sheriff's Office advises anyone who receives a similar call to simply hang up, emphasizing the importance of not falling victim to these deceptive practices. In an era where phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant is crucial to protecting oneself and the community from financial fraud.
Residents are encouraged to share this information with friends and family to create awareness and prevent further incidents of phone scams in Rutherford County and the surrounding areas. Stay alert, be cautious, and together we can thwart attempts by scammers to exploit our community.
See previous article on phone scams in our area HERE.
