Murfreesboro police warn about scammers sending fake arrest warrants

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Authorities issued a warning to members of the Murfreesboro community Friday about a scam involving false arrest warrants.

The Murfreesboro Police Department said scammers, posing as Sgt. Shawn Jones of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, are telling people they have an outstanding warrant for their arrest due to failure to appear in court.

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According to law enforcement, a Murfreesboro resident received a voicemail from someone claiming there was a warrant for her arrest for missing jury duty on Wednesday, April 24. Then, the victim reportedly received a text with a fraudulent “order of arrest” document.

Officials said the victim was instructed to go to Kroger or CVS and pay a $2,500 surety bond that would be reimbursed once the case was settled. After the victim hung up the phone, she called the police.

“We want to remind everyone that law enforcement officials do not contact residents on the phone to inform them of outstanding warrants, nor do we request any form of payment over the phone,” Murfreesboro Public Safety Public Information Officer Larry Flowers said. “These scammers are sophisticated and convincing, but we are committed to protecting the community from such deceitful tactics.”

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Community members are urged to verify any such claims by directly contacting the Murfreesboro Police Department at 615-893-1311 or the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 615-898-7770.

If you receive a similar call or document, authorities advise you not to engage with the scammer. Instead, hang up immediately and report the incident.

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