Local law enforcement is investigating a fraud report after a resident was tricked into mailing away a high-end smartphone in an elaborate impersonation scheme.

According to the Crossville Police Department, an officer responded to a residence on Sandra Lane regarding a fraud complaint. The victim reported purchasing a Samsung S26 Ultra online through Spectrum in May. After receiving an initial device with a calibration issue, she contacted customer service and was promised a replacement.

Soon after, the victim received a second package containing a phone that lacked standard packaging, charging cables, and the device’s stylus. While dealing with the exchange, she received a call from an individual posing as a Spectrum representative. The scammer falsely claimed a shipping error had occurred, instructed her to mail the device back immediately using a barcode sent via email, and directed her to a local Walgreens to complete the shipment.

The deception came to light when the victim contacted the legitimate provider to verify the process. A genuine representative tracked the shipping order, recognized the device as compromised, locked the phone, and informed her that she had been targeted by fraudsters.

Although the provider initially indicated a refund would be issued, subsequent follow-ups revealed that an official police report was required to document the fraud. Authorities took the report on October 16, and the case remains under investigation.