Authorities say scammers are targeting families of incarcerated individuals by requesting money through prepaid payment apps.
SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a telephone scam targeting families of incarcerated individuals.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling family members and falsely claiming there is a new program that allows an inmate to be released if a relative agrees to “sponsor” them.
The callers then instruct victims to send money through Chime or other prepaid payment methods.
Authorities emphasize that this is a scam and that the Sheriff’s Office does not request money over the phone to secure an inmate’s release through such a program.
Anyone who receives one of these calls is urged not to send money, hang up immediately and contact the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office if they have questions or believe they have been targeted.
The Sheriff’s Office is also encouraging the public to share the warning with family and friends to help prevent others from becoming victims.
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