MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Residents in Rutherford County are being warned about a recent phone scam where the callers impersonate sheriff’s deputies and threaten arrest for missing jury duty. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to these fraudulent calls and clarifying that their deputies do not make such demands or require individuals to purchase gift cards as a means to avoid arrest. It is crucial for residents to recognize these scam calls and disregard them immediately.
A local woman from Rutherford County experienced this scam firsthand when she received a call from someone posing as a representative from the Sheriff’s Office. The caller falsely claimed that she would be arrested for failing to fulfill her jury duty obligations. To evade arrest, the scammer instructed her to buy gift cards and provide the details over the phone. However, the woman’s quick thinking prevented her from becoming a victim. Instead of complying with the demands, she reached out to her father for help.
The woman’s father, suspecting the call was a scam, decided to take action. He dialed the number provided by the scammer, who claimed it was Sgt. Gary Herron’s desk number at the Sheriff’s Office. Upon calling, Sgt. Herron confirmed that he did not make the call, exposing the fraudulent nature of the situation.
Law enforcement authorities, including the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, stress the importance of recognizing and avoiding these scams. Their primary advice is simple: hang up immediately if you receive a call of this nature. Legitimate sheriff’s deputies will never demand money or request payment through gift cards over the phone.
This phone scam is not isolated to Rutherford County. Neighboring Williamson County has also reported similar incidents, where scammers use the same tactics to intimidate individuals by claiming they missed jury duty and must pay or face arrest. Officials in that county echo the same advice: do not engage with these scammers and simply hang up.
To prevent falling prey to scams, the community is urged to stay informed and report any suspicious calls to local authorities. Public awareness and vigilance play a crucial role in combatting these fraudulent activities. Remember, law enforcement will never demand payment or personal information over the phone. If in doubt, it is best to hang up and verify the legitimacy of the call through official channels.
In summary, residents of Rutherford County, Tennessee, are being targeted by scammers who pretend to be sheriff’s deputies and threaten arrest for missing jury duty. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that residents should not fall victim to these fraudulent calls and should hang up immediately. This cautionary message is echoed by neighboring Williamson County, highlighting the importance of public awareness and reporting suspicious calls to local authorities. Law enforcement will never demand payment or personal information over the phone, and individuals are advised to verify the legitimacy of any such calls through official channels. Stay informed and stay vigilant to protect yourself from scams.