Hawkins County, TN – Residents are being warned about a scam circulating today in which callers falsely claim to be from the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office and demand money for allegedly missing jury duty.
According to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting citizens by phone and telling them they owe fines or fees for failing to appear for jury service. The callers reportedly pressure victims to make immediate payments, often using threats of arrest or legal action if money is not sent right away.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that it does not call citizens demanding payment for missed jury duty and does not collect fines over the phone. Any legitimate jury-related notices are typically handled through official court documents delivered by mail or in person, not through unsolicited phone calls.
Authorities say these scams often rely on urgency and fear to push people into acting quickly. Scammers may spoof phone numbers to appear as if the call is coming from a local law enforcement agency, making the request seem more credible.
Residents in Hawkins County and surrounding Northeast Tennessee communities are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such a call. Officials also advise never sharing personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or payment information with unknown callers.
Anyone who believes they may have been contacted by a scammer or who has already sent money is encouraged to report the incident to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office and their financial institution as soon as possible. Reporting helps investigators track patterns and warn others before more residents are affected.
Law enforcement officials remind the public that when in doubt, citizens should independently verify claims by contacting the Sheriff’s Office or court system directly using official phone numbers.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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