Beware of new phone scam

Maryville, Tennessee – Blount County James Lee Berrong is asking you to beware of another phone scam. Blount County Communications has received several reports today from victims who received a phone call from a scammer claiming to be law enforcement and telling the victims they need to pay $1200 for an ankle monitor device after they were released from jail or they will be arrested.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office nor any agency in Blount County will call an individual after they’ve been released from jail to tell them they need to pay for an ankle monitor. Any bond conditions are settled prior to an individual being released from jail. This is a scam. If you receive a call like this, ignore it.

Sheriff’s Office personnel may call individuals about routine business, but you will NEVER be asked to provide payment over the phone. Deputies will also NOT ask you to meet at random locations to pay for anything.

Ignore these phone calls, and if you receive a call from unknown numbers, don’t answer them. You can also install a spam blocking app on your cell phone and/or put your number on the do not call list.

We are asking you again to share this information with your friends and family who may not be tuned into social media. We do not want to see anyone victimized by these criminals.