Coffee County Sheriff's Department Issues Public Warning on Widespread Scams

MANCHESTER, TN — The Coffee County Sheriff's Department is urging local residents to exercise caution and be vigilant against a variety of financial scams that are reportedly on the rise in the community. Sheriff Chad Partin's office has released a public service announcement highlighting several common fraudulent schemes and providing guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim.

According to the Sheriff's Department, the scams involve sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals into handing over money or personal information. The flyer from the department lists a range of threats, from familiar ploys to more modern digital schemes.

Among the scams identified are "Jury Duty Scams," where fraudsters impersonate court officials to demand payment for missed service. The department advises residents to contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office directly if they receive such a call. Similarly, "Arrest Warrant/Summons Scams" involve callers pretending to be law enforcement to threaten arrest unless a fee is paid. The department stresses that genuine law enforcement will not demand payment over the phone for a warrant.

Other scams highlighted include:

• Dating and Romance: Scammers use social media to build relationships and then exploit their victims for money.

• Investments: Fraudulent opportunities that promise high returns with little to no risk.

• Buying or Selling: Deceptive practices in online marketplaces or classifieds.

• Phishing: Emails or messages that impersonate a trusted source to trick people into revealing sensitive information.

• Jobs and Employment: Fake "work from home" jobs designed to steal personal data or money.

• Remote Access: Scammers trick victims into giving them control of their devices to "fix" a problem, often leading to data theft or financial loss.

The Sheriff's Department emphasized two key pieces of advice for the public: "If what is proposed seems too good to be true, it's too good to be true," and that anyone who believes they have been scammed should immediately contact local law enforcement.

For more information or to report a scam, residents are encouraged to contact the Coffee County Sheriff's Department at the numbers provided on their flyer: Main (931) 728-3591, Communications Center (931) 728-9555, or Fax (931) 723-5149.