In Roane County, the Sheriff's Office has issued a warning about a cunning new scam that's been snaring locals. The con artists embroiled in this deception are impersonating the Roane County Sheriff's Office (RCSO) by using a phone number that mimics the RCSO's main line. Residents are being cautioned against divulging any personal or financial details to these fraudsters.
The official alert, communicated through a social media post by the Roane County Sheriff's Office, straightforwardly instructs residents on the appropriate course of action. "Please do not give out any personal or financial information to these scammers. Hang up IMMEDIATELY and call booking at 865-717-4777 or dispatch at 865-354-8045 and ask to speak with a deputy," the post advised.
This type of scam, known commonly as 'spoofing', can seem particularly legitimate to unsuspecting individuals. It's a technique where callers disguise their true phone number, making it appear as though they are calling from a trusted entity – such as a government office, a bank, or the police. In this case, the scammers are exploiting the familiar appearance of the RCSO's number to try to elicit sensitive information from the public.
The Roane County Sheriff's Office has not only provided a way to report these scam calls, but they've also been actively working to inform the community about the threat. The aim is to prevent residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, from falling victim to such predatory tactics. If one should receive a call from what appears to be the RCSO and it's requesting personal information, it is critical to remember the official advice: hang up immediately.
Residents of Roane County are encouraged to remain vigilant. They are reminded that legitimate agencies will never ask for sensitive information over the phone in an unsolicited call. Sharing this information could lead to identity theft or financial loss. For any Roane County residents who believe they have already been targeted by this scam, they should follow the Sheriff's Office's guidance, contacting the provided numbers to report their encounters with the impostors.
