April 26, 2024 – The Murfreesboro Police Department is issuing a warning to all residents about a scam targeting the community. Scammers, posing as Sergeant Shawn Jones of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, are falsely informing residents that they have an outstanding warrant for their arrest due to failure to appear in court.
A Murfreesboro resident received a voicemail from someone claiming there was a warrant for her arrest for missing jury duty on Wednesday, April 24. The scammer sent the victim a text with a fraudulent “order of arrest” document. The victim was instructed to go to Kroger or CVS and pay a $2,5000 surety bond that would later be reimbursed once the case was settled. The victim hung up the phone and called the police.
“We want to remind everyone that law enforcement officials do not contact residents on the phone to inform them of outstanding warrants, nor do we request any form of payment over the phone,” MPD Public Safety Public Information Officer Larry Flowers said. “These scammers are sophisticated and convincing, but we are committed to protecting the community from such deceitful tactics.”
Police advise residents to verify any such claims by directly contacting the Murfreesboro Police Department at 615-893-1311 or the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at (615) 898-7770.
Police encourage anyone who receives a similar call or document to not engage with the scammer. Instead, hang up immediately and report the incident.
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