A Shoemake Road resident was scammed out of $500 after receiving a call from an unknown man claiming she had missed jury duty and would be arrested unless she paid a fine. The caller instructed her to buy a gift card from Dollar General on Hwy 127 North and provide the number over the phone. She complied, but the man demanded more money. When Crossville Police arrived, the victim was still on the phone. After an officer identified himself, the call was disconnected. Authorities are investigating the case as wire fraud.
Remember, officials will never call you demanding money or personal or financial information for missing jury duty. These calls can sound legitimate and intimidating but they are always scams. Never give out information or make payment in anyway. Hang up immediately. If you still have questions, call the Crossville Police Department or Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency numbers.