Hamblen County has been hit by a scam described as an international criminal enterprise, targeting an often vulnerable demographic: the elderly. According to WVLT, 48-year-old Samuel Bobby Campbell was recently arrested in connection to a scheme involving the well-known Publishers Clearing House contest, a ruse that promised hefty cash winnings to its victims.
These victims were convinced they had won a contest and were instructed to pay taxes on their prize in advance, with the payment being made in cash. "The victim is instructed to make cash withdrawals, take a photo of the cash and then put it in an envelope or small box," Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins told WVLT. What followed was a staged operation whereby Campbell—posing as a Publishers Clearing House representative—was to retrieve the money directly from the victims' homes.
Campbell's latest attempt to secure $75,000 from a local resident was thwarted by a sting operation conducted by the FBI and the sheriff's office. This resilience on the part of the con artists is alarming, with Sheriff Mullins emphasizing the lengths they will go in pursuit of their prey. "The people involved in these international criminal enterprises aren’t playing around," Mullins stated, as reported by WATE. He highlights the seriousness of their intent, underscored by the criminals' willingness to cross state lines to follow through on their deceptions.
Authorities have found this scam to be extensive, with over $1 million lost by local residents over a year. Campbell's arrest is a significant step in unravelling the operation, but Mullins is pushing for more than just arrests. "If you or a family member are notified that you’ve won any amount of money, I encourage you to do your research," Mullins told WVLT, emphasizing a familiar aphorism as a reminder for vigilance, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
Mullins thanked the collaborative agencies for aiding in Campbell's capture and stressed the ongoing effort to educate citizens and prevent further victimization. Details on Campbell's arraignment or the status of his court proceedings have not been released, as per WATE.
