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RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that if a phone call sounds urgent, intimidating, or the caller conveniently asks for money, it is probably not coming from law enforcement — no matter how official the caller, or the voicemail may sound. Authorities say such calls are scams, designed to create panic and pressure, often prompting victims to act quickly before verifying whether the call is legitimate.

Deputies recently warned the public about a scammer who attempted to frighten a local woman into potentially giving the caller money in some form or fashion over the phone. Although no direct conversation took place between the woman and the caller, she told authorities that the man left a voicemail clearly intended to incite fear and urgency. According to investigators, the unknown scammer falsely claimed to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office. The caller specifically identified himself as Deputy Mike Farmer and left a message telling the woman she needed to contact him regarding an “urgent legal matter.”

The message continued with a familiar sense of pressure, stating, “It would be in your best interest to give us a call back as soon as possible at 615-461-4381,” according to the Sheriff’s Office. Fortunately, the woman recognized the call for what it was — a scam — and forwarded the message to the real Sheriff’s Office instead of dialing back in a panic.

While “Deputy Mike Farmer” does exist, the real deputies that serve Rutherford County made it clear that the actual Deputy Farmer is not calling residents to demand money or resolve mysterious legal issues over the phone. In reality, Farmer serves as a local school resource officer and has absolutely no reason to contact citizens about an “urgent legal matter.”

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the call itself was a red flag, noting, “Sheriff’s deputies don’t leave a message like this either.”

The takeaway is simple: if you receive a call like this, hang up. There is no benefit to staying on the line to listen to a con artist spin a fictional tale designed to scare you into draining your checking or savings account. These scams rely on fear, urgency, and confusion — not facts. The bottom line: don’t let scammers win by convincing you, your friends, or your family to give away hard-earned money.

MORE SCAMS: Meanwhile, similar scams are popping up in the northern part of the county too, and La Vergne Police are alerting residents to a scheme taking place in plain sight — right outside local businesses. La Vergne Police reported, “We are also aware of a scam occurring at local storefronts. Individuals may approach customers claiming to sell items for a fundraiser.”

According to police, the scammers often claim they cannot accept cash and insist on credit or debit card payments only. In several cases, victims were charged unknown and significantly higher amounts than expected, resulting in losses totaling hundreds of dollars before anyone realized what had happened.

La Vergne Police also issued guidance for business owners who encounter unwanted fundraising activity on their property. If individuals are conducting fundraisers outside a business and are asked to leave but refuse, owners may contact the La Vergne Police Department, and an officer will respond to assist.

As always, authorities remind residents to trust their instincts, question anything that feels off, and remember that real law enforcement does not conduct business by surprise phone calls or sidewalk credit-card readers.