SHELBYVILLE, TN - Buckle up, Bedford County! If you thought that long drives and sunshine were the only things to worry about on Highway 231 South, think again! The Shelbyville Police Department has been put on high alert (and probably on speed dial) as another batch of phone scammers has taken a special interest in your well-earned cash.
These crafty con-artists have decided to spice things up by impersonating the illustrious deputies of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. What’s their formula for success? Simple: The scamsters’ claim you missed a subpoena or dodged a court appearance, because most people love a little courtroom drama, right?
But wait, there’s a twist! These fake "deputies" are not just here to chat; they want your hard-earned greenbacks, your Benjamins, your cabbage—whatever you call it, they want it. And how do these masterminds attempt to collect their fictitious fines? Well, they’ll suggest you pay up using your credit card, or they may encourage you to head to the store and buy a gift card - - FOR THEM. The con-artist sometimes use a payment app to cash-in. Nothing says “official” like sending money through a gift card!
KEY ITEM TO REMEMBER (and probably tattoo on your forehead): Actual law enforcement will never, and we mean never, ask for payments over the phone. So, if you find yourself on the receiving end of such a call, it’s time to hang up faster than you can say "fraud alert!" And for the love of logic, do not share personal or financial information with these clever crooks.
Just to clarify for those who might be momentarily confused: payments for any fines, fees, or court matters should be made through legitimate government channels—not through the latest trendy payment app or a gift card to your favorite burger joint.
So if you think you’ve been played by this telephone trickster, don't sit there twiddling your thumbs—call the police department in your area quicker than these scammers can say, “Your money or your life!” Stay safe, Bedford County, and remember: the only call you should be making is to your pizza delivery guy, not these shady scammers!
POLICE PHONE NUMBERS: In Shelbyville, the phone number to the Shelbyville Police Department is (931) 684-5811. Murfreesboro PD can be reached at 615-849-2673. Smyrna police can be reached at (615)459-6644. For LaVergne residents, the phone number is (615) 793-7744. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office phone number is (615)898-7777.
