The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about phone scammers posing as deputies.
According to the advisory released Thursday, callers are telling people they missed jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The callers then demand immediate payment to “resolve” the issue, often through gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
The Sheriff’s Office says the scammers are using caller ID spoofing technology to make it appear the call is coming from the department’s main number.
Officials stress they will never ask for fines, bond, or payments over the phone, and law enforcement does not request payment through gift cards or apps.
If you receive one of these calls, authorities say hang up, do not provide personal or financial information, and report the incident to local law enforcement.
