The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) is warning about a rise in phone scams targeting the area. Scammers are impersonating law enforcement or government agents, using intimidation tactics to trick victims into buying gift cards, sending cryptocurrency, or revealing personal financial details. The JCPD reports that scammers are now demanding payments to avoid jail.
According to the City of Johnson release, these scammers are reaching out through various methods, including phone calls and Facebook Messenger. Victims are instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the scammers. The JCPD clarified that they would never ask for payment to avoid incarceration. Investigator Michael Fowler noted that these scams often use fear to pressure people into acting quickly.
Authorities are urging caution, especially among the elderly who are frequent targets. The JCPD advises people not to share personal or financial information, not to purchase gift cards or send money, and to report suspicious calls to Crime Stoppers at 423-930-6535.
Tracing these scam calls is difficult as scammers often operate from outside the country and use technology to hide their identities. The focus is on prevention and raising awareness to protect the community from these deceptive practices.
