Police Warning Public About Phone Scams

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police want the public to be aware of an ongoing phone scam.

Police say some people have received a call from someone claiming to be with either the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department or being with a bonding agency.

This caller will claim that you have a warrant for your arrest, claiming in some cases it’s due to a failure to appear in court.

Then they will ask for payment of a fine to avoid an arrest.

(Courtesy: MGN)

CPD says there have been six of these scams so far this year.

Lt. Joe Shaw with the Property Crimes Unit said, “At no time regardless of the circumstances, regardless of whether it’s a missed subpoena or an actual criminal charge, at no time will law enforcement accept payment in lieu of an arrest.”

CPD says that they’re still investigating some of most recent incidents of these scams.

They say that in many cases, scammers will be from out of state or the country.

If you suspect you’re the victim of a scam, CPD asks that you contact their non-emergency hotline.