The Cookeville Police Department’s phone number is being used to scam individuals across the country. Captain Bobby Anderson says callers nationwide have contacted the department reporting they have received a phone call from the CPD phone number. Anderson said the caller is claiming to be a grandchild who is incarcerated and in need of money to be released from jail. “It appears that someone is spoofing our department number in an attempt to scam someone,” Anderson said. “We wanted to reach out to everyone to let them know to be careful with the phone calls.”

Anderson said the police department will not request personal identifying information or money over the phone. All police department transactions are conducted through the business office of the department or city court. “A lot of times these are computer-generated type calls, asking for someone to call back,” Anderson said. “Once the people call back, they try to solicit information or money.”

Anderson said it’s not uncommon for scams to occur during Christmas time. He said the police department receives many reports of scams over email, social media, classified ads, and phone spoofs. “Never send money on a promise or in advance hoping for more money in return,” Anderson said. “Just make sure you watch for the warning signs.”

Anderson encourages residents to report scam activity to the police department.