Maryville, TN – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is urging residents to stay alert after a new wave of phone scams has surfaced in the area, with criminals allegedly impersonating sheriff’s office employees in an attempt to steal money.
According to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, multiple residents have reported receiving calls where scammers falsely claim the person has an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty, or needs to post bond for a loved one. In some cases, callers allegedly demanded payments for ankle monitors or other fraudulent claims. Victims are told they must pay thousands of dollars via credit cards, gift cards, bitcoin or other methods to avoid being arrested.
Deputies said one individual recently provided credit card information over the phone after being told their loved one was in jail and needed bond money. The office emphasized that while personnel may call citizens for routine matters, they will never demand payment through bank transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency. Officials also warned that scammers are using spoofing technology to make it appear as though the calls are coming from legitimate sheriff’s office phone numbers.
Authorities are advising the public to take preventive steps, including avoiding calls from unknown numbers, installing spam-blocking apps, registering on the national “Do Not Call” list at donotcall.gov, and safeguarding personal data.
Sheriff Berrong is asking residents to spread the word, noting that scammers will stop at nothing to trick victims. “We do not want to see anyone victimized by these criminals,” the office said in a statement.
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