Carter County, TN – Authorities are warning residents after a surge of scam calls reported across the county, where callers are allegedly posing as law enforcement officers and demanding immediate payment.
According to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, the complaints surfaced Friday as multiple individuals reported receiving calls from someone claiming to be an officer with the CCSO. The callers allegedly tell victims they have an active warrant and must pay fines to avoid arrest, often citing missed court dates or failure to appear for jury duty.
Officials say the scammers are reportedly using “spoofing” technology to make it appear as though the calls are coming directly from the sheriff’s office main phone line. In several instances, the callers allegedly used names of actual deputies to sound more credible.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever request payment over the phone, especially through unconventional methods like Bitcoin, prepaid cards or gift cards. Victims have reportedly been instructed to deposit money into Bitcoin kiosks or provide prepaid card information—methods authorities say are clear red flags of fraudulent activity.
Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such a call and avoid sharing any personal or financial information. Authorities also advise anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized to contact their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.
The Carter County Sheriff’s Office reiterated that it will never call individuals to demand payment for warrants or court-related fees, underscoring the importance of public awareness as these scams continue to circulate.
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