BLUFF CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Local police aided a Bluff City resident in retrieving $20,000 that had been sent to a suspect in South Carolina, preventing the funds from reaching the alleged scammer while still en route.

According to a news release from the Bluff City Police Department, the investigation kicked off on Tuesday morning when an area resident became a victim of a deceptive scam.

“The victim, misled by the suspect’s false representations, was compelled to send a significant amount of $20,000 in US currency through USPS Express to an address provided by the suspects in Spartanburg, South Carolina,” the release notes.

The scammer reportedly instructed the victim to “destroy the postal receipt containing the tracking information” to cover their tracks, the release said. Once police started investigating, the U.S. Postal Service was contacted, and investigators found the package’s tracking number.

Investigators worked with the Bluff City Post Office, Eastern TN Region Postmaster, Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina Postmasters and Spartanburg police to intercept the package before it was delivered to the suspect.

The package was expedited back to Bluff City and returned to the victim on Wednesday at around 2 p.m., police said.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder to the community to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or requests, especially those claiming to be from financial institutions or government agencies,” the release states. “It is essential for individuals to verify the authenticity of such calls and to refrain from divulging sensitive personal or financial information.”

According to police, the investigation is ongoing. No information regarding potential arrests or filed charges was provided.