Expert Scammers Target The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office

Cleveland, TN (WDEF) – Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson and his deputies are searching for a small group of expert criminals that have targeted his department.

"Recently, a Bradley County Sheriff’s Office credit card had been hacked and used in Chattanooga and in different stores in the vicinity," said Sheriff Watson. The Sheriff’s personal Facebook page was also hacked, and his name and information were used to pay for medical treatment in a nearby town.

"They got devices now where they can actually walk behind a person that’s carrying a billfold," explained the Sheriff, "They can be within 10 feet of you and scan the credit card numbers that’s in your bill fold."

Back in September, someone used Chief Deputy Brian Smith’s name and identity in a telephone scam, demanding payment to avoid receiving an arrest warrant. Which, Sheriff Watson says is something his department would never do.

"We’re getting messages out to the citizens of Cleveland and Bradley County to be alert on your Facebook, and other social media, so we can deter some of this activity," said Chief Deputy Smith.

Sheriff Watson is urging everyone to be careful, and also suggests visiting free credit sites, such as Credit Karma, to keep track of any possible fraudulent activity.

Other tips include adding a special sensor to your wallet or purse, and making sure your Bluetooth is turned off on your cell phone when it’s not in use, to avoid those pesky devices that can use them to grab personal information.