Knox County, TN (WOKI) – The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is warning community members about several ongoing phone scams in which callers are falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers or federal agents and demanding money. These calls are designed to create fear and confusion so that victims will send payments quickly. In one scam, victims receive a call from what appears to be a local phone number. The caller claims to be an employee of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and says a family member or loved one is in jail. The caller then demands money to have the individual released on an ankle monitor, claiming this is necessary due to jail overcrowding.
In another reported incident, a Knox County Sheriff’s Office victim advocate was contacted by a victim who had received two suspicious calls. In the first call, the scammer claimed that her abuser was being released from jail. In the second call, the scammer told the victim she needed to send money through Cash App or a similar money transfer app to pay for a GPS monitor, falsely stating that the victim was responsible for that cost.
These claims are false. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office will never:
– Ask a victim, family member, or member of the public for money over the phone
– Request payment through Cash App, gift cards, wire transfers, or any other money transfer apps
– Threaten arrest or legal action in exchange for immediate payment
The Sheriff’s Office has also been advised of a separate scam involving an individual pretending to be an FBI agent. In this scam, the caller states they are investigating the victim’s bank and may ask for personal or financial information, or pressure the victim to move or “protect” their money. This is also a scam. ⚠️
-How to Protect Yourself
If you receive a call like this:
1. Hang up immediately.
2. Do not share personal, banking, or identifying information.
3. Do not send money, gift cards, or make electronic transfers.
4. If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office directly at the official number listed below.
📱📞Report Scam Calls
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by these scams, or who has already sent money or personal information, is urged to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
📞 Knox County Sheriff’s Office: 865-215-2243
Residents are encouraged to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams.
