RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Sheriff's Departments all across the state are reporting more and more scams that target victims using the names of deputies and officers within their departments.
In one recent case that occurred in Rutherford County, it appears that someone’s scam game involved a local resident receiving a call from someone pretending to be Sheriff’s Sgt. Shawn Jones. The caller demanded money from the victim for supposedly missing jury duty or court. The catch that backfired on the scammer? The resident who got the call said they actually know Sgt. Jones and quickly realized the call was about as legitimate as a $3 bill.
Naturally, the would-be victim notified the real Sheriff’s Office, likely giving them a good laugh. Quick reminder: Sheriff’s deputies don’t moonlight as debt collectors for jury duty fines. If you get one of these calls, just hang up. No dramatic speeches necessary.
Another Scam, Another Place – COFFEE COUNTY, TN: 30-Minutes east of Murfreesboro in the Manchester, TN area, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department has received calls again regarding the same type of scenario.
The phone scam, like in Rutherford County, starts with the callers identifying themselves as members of the sheriff’s department and advise victims that they have an active warrant for missing court or missing a notice to appear and serve on a grand jury. The callers state that if the victim pays a fee, this will satisfy the warrant and they will not be arrested.
The phone scammers are requesting the potential victim to pay via a prepaid credit card. Sometimes, con-artist will ask the victim to pay in another fashion over the phone or through a bill that will be emailed to them. Please know this is a scam and no one in local law enforcement throughout the state will be contacting you by phone and requesting payment for anything. DO NOT give these people any information.
If you receive a call that involves someone hounding you for money because you missed jury duty – or anything similar, hang up and call your local law enforcement agency immediately. If possible please note the number in which you receive the call. If you or anyone you know have fallen victim to this type of scam, please notify your local law enforcement.
Scam Naming Sheriff's Association - Throughout the state, another scam has been using the name of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association and involves the scammer calling residents to solicit financial support for the non-profit. While it is a renewal period for the association and they have sent mailings to members, the TSA says they will NEVER call to solicit funds over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with the Sheriff's Association, you're encouraged to call their office at 615-547-0277. Of course, you can also call your local Sheriff's Office to report the fraudsters.
The TSA reports there is no need to solicit funds over the phone because, “All renewals and donations can be made by going to www.tnsheriffs.com/online-store.”
