Sheriff’s office warns of scam calls demanding payment
Published 7:28 pm Saturday, March 28, 2026
The Carter County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving callers posing as deputies and demanding money to avoid arrest.
Officials said the agency has received numerous complaints from individuals who reported receiving scam phone calls from a person identifying themselves as an officer with the sheriff’s office and demanding payment in exchange for not serving a warrant.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are identifying themselves as CCSO officers and, in some cases, are using the names of actual deputies. The caller typically tells the intended victim that a warrant has been issued for their arrest, often claiming the warrant is related to a missed court date or failure to appear for jury duty.
Victims are then instructed to make payments through various methods, including deposits at a Bitcoin kiosk or by using prepaid gift cards.
Authorities emphasized that no law enforcement agency or government office will ever request payment using those methods.
Officials said the scammers are using technology known as “spoofing,” which allows them to make it appear as though the call is coming from the sheriff’s office main line at 423-542-1845.
“These telephone calls are not legitimate,” the sheriff’s office said. “The Carter County Sheriff’s Office will never call and demand payment from anyone over an arrest warrant or court fees.”
Residents who receive such calls are advised to hang up immediately and not provide any personal or financial information. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the scam is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.