News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
An Overton County resident scammed out of $1,500 Friday by an individual impersonating an Overton County deputy.
Sheriff John Garrett said the scammer claimed the individual has missed court dates and must pay as compensation. Garrett said the phone number is showing as the Sheriff’s Department’s number as the scammer has spoofed the number.
“What we want people to know, is we do not do business this way,” Garrett said. “Furthermore local law enforcement is not going to be calling in concerns of someone missing a federal court date. We don’t call and do business like that.”
Garrett said if the department was reaching out to someone about a missed court date they would send a letter in the mail or approach in person. Garret said if a call seems suspicious please report it to the Overton County Sheriff’s Department.
“Do not give those folks any personal information,” Garrett said. “No birth date, no social, not even portions of it, no bank account information, don’t even confirm your address with them. Hang the phone up and call your local agency and report it.”
Garrett said good people are losing hard-earned money due to the scams. Garrett said he is frustrated by what has happened.
“It is heartbreaking because I don’t want to see our citizens be victimized especially by someone claiming to be an officer,” Garrett said. “It is hurtful and it really upsets me to the bone.”
Garrett said if there’s a chance you believe the call is legitimate then hang up and call the sheriff’s department and ask to speak with the officer again. Garrett said Overton County has not had a heavy amount of scams in recent years but they do happen occasionally. Garrett said the first thing you need to do after falling for a scam is call your bank or credit card company to try and stop the payment.
