Several law enforcement jurisdictions from across Rutherford County have received reports of a telephone scam where people are impersonating police officers by telephone.

Since Tuesday, March 25, reports have been coming in about telephone calls claiming ticket fines from red light cameras are owed. The criminals say these tickets must be paid by credit card, sharing debit or bank information, or pay with a prepaid money card. The scammers are telling the victims that if they do not provide this information, they will be arrested in lieu of not satisfying their tickets.

“We have had at least six reported in La Vergne since last week,” stated Sgt. John Eubank. “Two ended up paying between $120 and $150 each. The other potential victims were suspicious and reported the calls to police.”

Sgt. Eubank said these crimes are currently under investigation. He urges the public to be on alert for the scam because there is no law enforcement agency within the county that would do this. “If you receive a phone call, go to the police department in your jurisdiction to report it. Do not give any credit card or bank information over the telephone,” said Eubank.

When the thieves call, they claim they represent the La Vergne Rutherford County Police Department (which does not exist), the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, or the Murfreesboro Police Department. Eubank said the only jurisdiction in Rutherford County with red light cameras is Murfreesboro. If you genuinely believe you might have been ticketed, you can confirm with the Murfreesboro Police Department rather than believing a phone call from a stranger impersonating an officer.