Jackson, TN – Residents across Madison County are being warned Wednesday about a surge in scam phone calls falsely claiming to be from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, with callers demanding immediate payment for alleged legal issues.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), scammers are impersonating deputies and, in some cases, using the names of real employees to sound legitimate. Officials say one recent caller claimed to be “Captain Lawrence,” though scammers are known to rotate names frequently.
The fraudulent calls often accuse victims of missing jury duty, having unpaid traffic citations, or needing to resolve court documents. Victims are then instructed to make urgent payments — typically by withdrawing cash from an ATM, sending money orders, or purchasing gift cards — under the threat of arrest or legal action.
Investigators say some calls appear to come from spoofed numbers that resemble legitimate sheriff’s office phone lines. One number recently reported, 731-298-0688, is not associated with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
MCSO emphasized that no legitimate deputy will ever request payment over the phone or ask for cash, gift cards, or online transfers. Any website or recorded message claiming to collect payments on behalf of the sheriff’s office is also fraudulent, officials said.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are urged not to engage with the caller and to report the incident immediately by contacting the Madison County Sheriff’s Office directly at 731-423-6000.
Authorities are asking community members to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors — particularly elderly residents — as scammers continue targeting individuals throughout Madison County and the greater Jackson area.
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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