Blount County Sheriff Warning of Scam Involving Ankle Monitors

BCSO officials said some victims have lost thousands of dollars to this scam. (Courtesy: BCSO)

Blount County Sheriff Warning of Scam Involving Ankle Monitors

Posted on April 9, 2025

Maryville, TN (WOKI) The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be aware of an ongoing phone scam involving ankle monitors.

BCSO officials say scammers claiming to be law enforcement are telling victims that they need to pay for an ankle monitor after being released from jail or be arrested.

BCSO says that the scammer is telling victims to use Apple Pay, PayPal or gift cards to pay, adding that some victims have lost thousands of dollars to this scam.

“The Blount County Sheriff’s Office, nor any agency in Blount County, will call an individual after they’ve been released from jail to tell them they need to pay for an ankle monitor,” Sheriff James Lee Berrong said. “Any bond conditions are settled prior to an individual being released from jail.”

BCSO says “if you receive a call like this, ignore it.”

Anyone who questions the legitimacy of a phone call is asked to call BCSO’s main number at 865-273-5000 during normal business hours.

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