RHEA COUNTY SHERIFF WARNS RESIDENTS OF ACTIVE “GRANDPARENT” PHONE SCAM
The Rhea County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent warning about a phone scam targeting local residents, particularly seniors.
Scammers are impersonating grandchildren, falsely claiming they have been in a serious car crash in Florida and urgently need money for legal fees. The callers frequently demand that victims keep the situation secret from parents and other family members to prevent independent verification.
Sheriff John Argo advises citizens to protect themselves with key precautions:
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Verify directly: Hang up and call the grandchild or their parents using a known, trusted phone number.
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Never rush payment: Avoid sending money immediately through wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency based solely on a phone call.
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Reject demands for secrecy: Insistence on hiding the call from family is a major red flag.
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Report suspicious activity: Contact the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office if you receive a scam call, or your bank if money has already been sent.
Officials urge community members to talk with elderly loved ones and neighbors to help prevent financial exploitation.
