Rutherford County, Tennessee – The Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving a caller impersonating a high-ranking jail official.
According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, a resident recently received a voicemail from someone claiming to be Deputy Chief Kevin Henderson of the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. The caller stated he needed to speak with the recipient, implying official or urgent business.
The voicemail included a phone number that appeared to belong to Henderson, but investigators later confirmed the number was not associated with him or the detention center.
Instead of returning the call, the recipient independently contacted the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and asked to speak directly with Henderson. Henderson confirmed he had not attempted to contact the individual and was not seeking to speak with him.
The recipient then shared the voicemail with Henderson, prompting the Sheriff’s Office to issue a public warning and urge residents not to engage with similar calls.
Officials said scammers often use the names of law enforcement officers or correctional administrators to create a sense of authority or fear, increasing the likelihood that targets will respond or provide information.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that detention center administrators do not contact residents unexpectedly to demand phone calls, personal information, or payments. Any such calls should be treated as suspicious.
Residents who receive similar messages are encouraged not to return the call, not to provide personal details, and to report the incident directly to local law enforcement.
The warning is particularly relevant for residents who may be concerned about legal or court-related matters, as scammers frequently exploit those anxieties.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by this or a similar scam is advised to contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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