Recent Internet Scams - WGNS has more scams to bring you up-to-date on, with the first episode focusing on, “If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Definitely Is." The nearby Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a scam involving callers pretending to be representatives from Xfinity, an internet and phone provider in Middle Tennessee. This scam comes complete with insider knowledge of your monthly bill and a wildly generous “deal” that only requires one small thing: Thousands of dollars in gift cards.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, victims are being told their internet or cable bill can be cut in half for the next three years — but only if they prepay the full amount using gift cards. Because nothing screams “legitimate corporate billing department” quite like asking for payment in gift cards.

Officials were quick to point out what most people already suspect: this is absolutely not a real Xfinity offer. Xfinity does not accept gift cards as payment, and they certainly do not send random callers to negotiate secret discount deals over the phone.

The scammer’s ability to quote the victim’s actual monthly bill adds a convincing layer to the ruse, but law enforcement warns that this is simply another method to build trust before draining wallets.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to hang up immediately if they receive one of these calls and to report the incident to local law enforcement. They are also asking residents to spread the word — especially to elderly family members and others who may be more vulnerable to high-pressure fraud tactics.

Bottom line: If someone promises to slash your bill for years in exchange for gift cards, you’re not talking to customer service. You’re talking to a scammer with very creative math.

Recent Banking Scams - In the latest reminder that scammers never seem to take a day off, officials in the Shelbyville area are once again warning residents about fake bank alerts popping up by text message and email.

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed earlier this year that residents have been receiving messages claiming to be from their bank, urgently warning of “suspicious activity” and encouraging people to click a link or respond immediately. Because nothing says “trusted financial institution” quite like a random midnight text from an unknown number.

According to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, the advice is simple and very unexciting: do not respond to the message and do not click the link. Instead, residents are told to contact their bank directly using the phone number on the back of their debit card or through the bank’s official website.

Officials stressed that legitimate banks do not need customers to verify sensitive account information through surprise texts or shady email links. Shocking, we know.

The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who receives one of these messages to delete it immediately and notify their bank of the attempt. Sharing the warning with friends and family is also encouraged — because scammers are counting on someone being tired, rushed, or just curious enough to click.

Bottom line: If a message about your bank account feels urgent, threatening, or just a little too dramatic — it probably isn’t your bank. It’s a scammer hoping you’ll panic before you think.

Scam Impersonating Rutherford County Sheriff's Deputy — In today’s episode of “Scammers Still Think This Works,” a local woman was successfully convinced by someone pretending to be SRO Jamie Bailey that she could simply pay her way out of arrest — because, of course, that’s totally how law enforcement operates.

According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the scammer posing as Bailey convinced the victim she had active arrest warrants and needed to immediately hand over money to avoid going to jail. The woman paid the cash, then — in a twist the scammers probably did not anticipate — called the real Jamie Bailey at the Sheriff’s Office to follow up about her supposed warrants.

Bailey reportedly had no idea what she was talking about. The woman told him she had been “talking with him all day.” That’s when reality finally caught up with the situation. Bailey then asked the obvious question: “How much money did you give them?”

Officials made it very clear that this is not how law enforcement works. As bluntly stated by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office: “Sheriff Office deputies DO NOT CALL and ask people for money to pay for warrants. If you are wanted for a crime, deputies will meet with you in person. They won’t take your money.”

The Sheriff’s Office is now urging the public to spread the word before more people are scared into handing over cash to criminals who apparently watched one too many bad crime dramas. “We ask you to share this information so family and friends will not be victimized by scammers who try to scare people by threatening arrests,” the office reported.

Bottom line: If someone calls demanding money to “cancel” your arrest — congratulations — you’re not dealing with the Sheriff’s Office. You’re dealing with a scammer who hopes you panic before thinking.

If you receive a similar call, hang up immediately and contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office directly.

• Read more REAL SCAMS that have been Targeting Rutherford and Surrounding Counties HERE.