From Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones:

On Monday, August 11, 2025, a Monroe County resident received a phone call from a person who identified as a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detective. The “detective” told the resident he had an outstanding warrant and was going to be apprehended unless he paid the “detective” $6000 immediately.

Due to the intense pressure of the caller, the resident complied and sent their entire savings to this individual. Later, the individual made a second call stating that he found a second warrant and tried to pressure the resident to send an additional $6000.

Unfortunately, once the resident contacted the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, it was too late. It is doubtful that the resident will ever be able to recover their life savings.

NEVER EVER GIVE MONEY TO ANYONE YOU DON’T KNOW OVER THE PHONE.

If you feel anxious or worried because the caller is threatening you or a family member with harm or like in this case, a warrant, HANG UP AND CALL THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE OR YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.

NO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WILL EVER ASK FOR OR DEMAND MONEY OVER THE PHONE FOR ANY REASON.

Scammers have become very sophisticated. They can google legitimate names of law enforcement officers and spoof actual law enforcement phone numbers. It’s okay to HANG UP and contact your local law enforcement agency BEFORE you give out any personal information, banking information, or send money via gift cards, cash apps, bit coins, etc.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (423) 442-9537 during business hours, after hours please call (423) 442-4357.

BE ALERT…BE AWARE…DON’T GET SCAMMED