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.