CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is warning residents to be wary of phone scammers impersonating officers.

A recent news release from the sheriff’s office indicates a rise in phone scams. These scammers are posing as actual officers from the CCSO, misleading victims by claiming that there’s a warrant for their arrest.

“We are witnessing an increase in these scams, where scammers are conducting thorough research to impersonate our agency and use the names of real officers,” stated Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley in the release. “We advise the public to remain cautious when contacted by individuals demanding money, particularly if they claim to be law enforcement officers or government representatives.”

The CCSO notes that the narratives used by scammers vary. Some victims are informed they missed a court date or jury duty, while others hear that their warrant is related to child support or a civil court case.

The release included a recent example of a scam in which the caller told an intended victim that they had to buy a DNA test kit and scan a barcode. The scammer then gave instructions to pay them directly to avoid arrest.

In numerous instances, victims are asked to provide their credit card or bank information. Others are asked to buy gift cards or cryptocurrency and provide that information.

“The one thing these all have in common is they are all a fraud,” Fraley said. “No law enforcement officer will ever call you and ask you for money to avoid arrest. No government agency is going to call you and ask you to send a payment by gift cards or through a mobile app. No law enforcement agency is going to send you to a store to purchase a DNA test kit.”

The CCSO urges anyone who receives a call suspected of being a scam to hang up. The sheriff’s office warns all residents to never make a payment or provide personal information to anyone threatening arrest.

“If you feel you have been victimized by a scam such as this, report it immediately to your local law enforcement,” Fraley said. “If you receive a call claiming there is a warrant for your arrest, and you want to check for your own peace of mind, call our dispatch office at 423-542-1845 or stop by the dispatch office located in the lobby of the Carter County Detention Center, and we will be glad to check for you.”