RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — In the latest reminder that scammers apparently have plenty of free time and a questionable moral compass, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about phone calls from someone pretending to be a local deputy.

According to authorities, scammers are once again impersonating members of the Sheriff’s Office, this time using the name of Sgt. Zach Campbell while leaving messages asking residents to call back about what they describe as a mysterious “sensitive matter.”

Fortunately, at least one local resident decided to pause before dialing the number back and instead contacted the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office directly. That simple move quickly revealed the call for what it was — a scam.

The Sheriff’s Office says Sgt. Campbell, along with the rest of the department, does not call residents out of the blue about legal issues or “sensitive matters.” In fact, if deputies actually need to contact someone about something serious, they typically do so through proper channels — not through vague voicemail messages designed to create anxiety.

In most cases, when victims return the call, the scammer launches into a familiar script. The unsuspecting resident is told they supposedly missed jury duty or failed to comply with a court order. The caller then adds a little pressure by threatening jail time unless a payment is made immediately.

And somehow, conveniently enough, the “solution” almost always involves sending money right away.

Deputies say the best response is simple: Don’t call back. Don’t engage. Just hang up.

Authorities say if residents receive a suspicious call claiming to be from law enforcement, the safest move is to contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office directly using the official phone number.

In other words, if someone calls demanding money while pretending to be the sheriff’s office, it’s safe to assume the only thing “sensitive” about the situation is the scammer’s bank account.

Officials say by ignoring these calls, residents can avoid becoming the next target — and keep their hard-earned money exactly where it belongs.