Cleveland, Tennessee – Bradley County officials are warning residents about scam calls impersonating sheriff’s office employees, prompting public safety concerns.
According to the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), reports have increased in recent days involving callers who falsely claim to be current deputies or staff members. In the calls, scammers allege the recipient has missed jury duty or owes fines and then demand immediate payment over the phone.
Authorities say the callers are also using “spoofing” technology, which manipulates caller ID information to make it appear the call is coming directly from the sheriff’s office. Despite the display, officials emphasized that the calls are fraudulent.
The sheriff’s office stressed it will not call residents demanding payment, fines, or personal information. Any such request made over the phone should be treated as a scam.
Residents who receive one of these calls are advised to hang up immediately, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and verify the call by contacting the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 423-728-7300.
Officials encourage the public to report scam attempts and to share the warning with family members, particularly older adults who are often targeted in phone fraud schemes.
More information about recognizing and avoiding scams is available on the sheriff’s office website at bradleysheriff.com/scams-and-fraud.
The alert may be especially relevant to local workers and students who rely on their phones throughout the day and may be more likely to answer unfamiliar calls.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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