The Alcoa Police Department warns the community of a current fraudulent act that is potentially targeting medical professionals. Both Blount Memorial Hospital and East Tennessee Medical Group employees have received calls regarding this scam.
The scammer poses as either a Sergeant Snyder or Captain Gilmore with the Alcoa Police Department (APD) and claims that the individual being called has missed their court date and has a warrant out for their arrest. The scammer then explains that the fine is $3,000 and the only way to pay their fine is by using gift cards to transfer money.
The scammer is using an app that allows them to appear as the Alcoa Police Department calling potential victims; however, the APD wants citizens to know that the department would not call regarding payment information.
Sergeant Dustin Stevenson notes: “We need the Alcoa community to remain vigilant—the scammer we have received calls on seems to target medical professionals, but we want to make sure all are aware of the ongoing situation. We also want the community to know that we are working around the clock to catch the offender(s).”
The APD has received at least three official reports of this ongoing scam. The department advises those who have received a call that correlates with this information to immediately call the APD with information regarding the scammer.
For more information, contact Detective Borden at (865) 981-4111.