MURFREESBORO, TN. (WGNS) - Another attempt at scamming the public has surfaced in Rutherford County, and once again it was stopped by someone who trusted his instincts. A local resident contacted the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office before giving out personal information or sending money, and that simple step made all the difference.
According to officials, the man received a voicemail from someone claiming to be the Detention Center chief. The caller said Deputy Chief Kevin Henderson needed to speak with him and even left a number that appeared to be Henderson’s direct line. It wasn’t. Instead of calling the number in the message, the resident dialed the real Adult Detention Center and asked for Henderson himself. Henderson told him he wasn’t trying to reach him at all.
The man then shared the voicemail with Henderson so the Sheriff’s Office could warn others. It’s the latest example of scammers using the names of real local officials to create urgency and fear, hoping someone will act quickly without verifying the call.
The Sheriff’s Office says these scams are increasing, and the advice remains consistent: hang up, slow down, and verify. Law enforcement will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest over the phone, or insist you keep a conversation “confidential.” If something feels off, residents are urged to call the agency directly using a publicly listed number, not the one provided by the caller. Officials also recommend reporting suspicious calls so patterns can be tracked.
As for catching the scammers, it’s difficult once money has been sent. Many of these operations rely on prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or fast-transfer apps that leave little trace. Some scammers are local, but many operate from outside Tennessee or even outside the country, making prosecution challenging. Still, reporting the incident gives investigators more information to work with and helps protect others.
The Sheriff’s Office stresses that vigilance from residents—like the man who made that extra phone call—is one of the strongest defenses the community has.
