RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In the latest wave of criminal creativity, scammers are now pretending to be none other than Captain Jeff Keaton from the Murfreesboro Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division. Yes, you read that right—these fraudsters are donning an imaginary badge and trying to convince you to part with your hard-earned cash.

Here’s a friendly reminder: law enforcement will NEVER ask for money over the phone or request you to buy a money card and share the numbers. Apparently, the scammers missed the memo on how real police work. If you receive such a call, the best course of action is to hang up immediately and report it to the authorities.

The Murfreesboro Police Department emphasizes that no legitimate officer will ever solicit money or personal financial information in this manner. It's almost as if the scammers think we live in an alternate universe where this kind of scheme would actually be believable.

This past June, WGNS learned from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office that an unknown person or persons called a woman claiming to be the fictitious “Chief Deputy Mike Lee” at the Sheriff's Office. The caller proceeded to threaten the woman who answered the phone with being arrested for allegedly missing jury duty. This type of scam is nothing new and, thankfully, the would-be victim didn't fall for the nonsense. In fact, the wise woman hung up and reported the call to the Sheriff's Office.

So, if you get a call from "Captain Jeff Keaton" asking for a payment, or “Chief Deputy Mike Lee” suggesting that you missed jury duty, just know it’s as real as a three-dollar bill. Don't let these con artists play on your trust in local law enforcement. Instead, take pleasure in promptly hanging up on them and then reporting the incident.

Remember, your best defense against these scoundrels is skepticism and a quick finger on the 'end call' button.