Hamblen County Sheriff: More than $1 million lost in scam targeting elderly residents
Share this @internewscast.com

HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — In a collaborative effort, the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed a con that was preying on senior citizens.

Sheriff Chad Mullins of Hamblen County shared that over a million dollars was extracted from residents under the pretense that they were winners of the Publishers’ Clearing House sweepstakes. The deception came to light after a concerned individual contacted the authorities.

“Victims receive a phone call claiming they have won a contest, but in order to claim their prize, they must pay the taxes on their winnings upfront and in cash,” Mullins explained. “Victims are directed to withdraw cash, photograph it, and place it in an envelope or small box. Subsequently, an individual posing as a Publishers’ Clearing House representative visits the victim’s home to collect the money.”

After learning about the scam, investigators set up a sting and arrested one person. HCSO said that Samuel Bobby Campbell, 48, was attempting to retrieve $75,000 when he was met by law enforcement instead. A release from the sheriff’s office added that he flew from a northern state to Tennessee. He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“The people involved in these international criminal enterprises aren’t playing around,” Mullins said. “The fact they would actually fly someone in from another state and go directly to the victim’s home shows they mean business.”

Mullins also thanks those who helped them apprehend Campbell, including the Johnson City Office of the FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He added that educating people about this scam will help stop it.

“If you or a family member is notified that you’ve won any amount of money, I encourage you to do your research,” Mullins added. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

HCSO added that the investigation into the scam and Campbell is ongoing.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Arrest Linked to Missing Rankin Man Case Following Discovery of Possible Human Remains

In a chilling turn of events more than a year after his…

Beaufort Launches Major $6.9 Million Stormwater Initiative to Protect Waterfront

The city of Beaufort, South Carolina, has commenced construction work along the…

Reviving History: Discover the 21-Year Journey to Restore Monticello’s Hidden Treasures

MONTICELLO, Ill. — After years of dedication, one man’s passion project in…

Step Back in Time: Las Vegas to Unveil World’s First Retro Theme Park Experience

Las Vegas is set to welcome a unique theme park experience, RetroEscapes,…

Potential SNAP Benefit Loss Threatens 260,000 South Carolina Households Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — South Carolina officials are sounding the alarm as…

Florida Teacher Faces Backlash for Embracing Gender-Neutral ‘Mx.’ Prefix in Classroom

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has taken aim at…

Texas Secretary of State Sparks Debate with Viral Post on Voter Fraud Allegations

Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has reignited discussions about election integrity…

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Snub Finalized: NFL Confirms No Reconsideration

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL remains steadfast in its decision to…

Tampa City Council Set to Decide on Crucial ‘Early Works’ Phase for SoHo Flood Mitigation Project

In Tampa, Florida, the City Council is poised to decide on a…

Walmart Halts Hiring for Costly H-1B Visa Applicants Amid Immigration Strategy Shift

In a noteworthy development, Walmart, the largest private employer in the United…

BCB Outcomes: Pinellas Nonprofit Secures Long-Awaited Donation Funds

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A nonprofit organization in Pinellas County, dedicated to…

Texas Governor Mobilizes State Guard to Tackle Homeless Camp Cleanup

In a recent announcement from Austin, Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed that…