From Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones:

We want to provide an important update to our recent scam alert. Today, we received several more calls from concerned citizens, and it appears the scammer has now begun “spoofing” our main phone number.

Spoofing is a cyber tactic where someone disguises their digital identity-such as a phone number-to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source. Caller ID spoofing allows scammers to alter the displayed number to look local or even official, like it’s coming directly from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

These scammers continue to claim that you must pay money for an outstanding warrant or for failure to appear for jury duty. This is NOT how the Sheriff’s Office operates.

If you receive one of these calls, DO NOT send money, do not share personal information, and do not follow their instructions.

DO NOT call back (423) 442-3911. Instead, call (423) 442-5002-our direct line to the Detective Division, and choose one of the 9 detective options if you need to verify any information. If you are instructed by the caller to call this number back-you will be able to tell if it’s a spoofed number because you will not be able to choose any of the 9 options.

IMPORTANT: If you attempt to call back the number the scammer gives you (including 423- 442-3911), they have software that can mimic the Sheriff’s Office phone system. It will appear you are calling us back-but you are actually calling the scammer.

And remember:

No one from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will ever collect money from you for any reason.

Any funds associated with court matters-must be paid directly to the courts, NEVER to the Sheriff’s Office.

We do not charge or accept money for jury duty, warrants, or anything similar.

Please remain vigilant and do not fall for this scam. Help us spread the word and keep Monroe County safe.