Dickson Police Department Issues a Scam Alert After Residents Targeted by Fake Law Enforcement Calls
Dickson, TN — Local law enforcement officials are warning residents to stay vigilant after a wave of phone scams targeting Dickson County citizens prompted an official public alert this week.
Photo: Scam Alert (Dickson Police Department)
In a social media post released by the City of Dickson Police Department, officials said they have received multiple reports of scammers impersonating law enforcement officers, including claims that callers are affiliated with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Dickson Police Department, or the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office.
According to police, the scammers are using fear and urgency to pressure victims into sending money.
How the Scam Works
Authorities say the callers typically tell residents one of two things:
They allegedly missed jury duty, or
There is a warrant issued for their arrest.
To make the scheme appear legitimate, scammers have reportedly gone as far as sending or texting fake official-looking documents containing the victim’s name.
The goal, police say, is simple: convince people they must immediately pay a fine to avoid arrest.
But officials stress — that is not how law enforcement operates.
A Key Warning From Police
The department emphasized a critical reminder for the public:
No law enforcement agency will ever request payment over the phone.
Police say this includes payments in:
Cash
Bitcoin or cryptocurrency
Gift cards
Wire transfers
Any other form of immediate payment
Scammers often sound convincing and may use spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from official agencies, making the calls seem legitimate at first glance.
“Do NOT send money or share personal information,” the department warned in its alert.
What Residents Should Do
Anyone who receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be law enforcement and requesting payment should:
Hang up immediately.
Do not provide personal information.
Contact Dickson Communications directly at 615-446-8041 (non-emergency line).
Ask to speak with an officer to verify the situation.
Officials say reporting these incidents helps investigators track patterns and warn others before additional residents become victims.
Why These Scams Work
Phone scams involving fake warrants or jury duty violations have become increasingly common nationwide because they exploit a powerful emotional trigger: fear.
Scammers rely on people reacting quickly before they have time to verify information. By creating urgency — threatening arrest or legal consequences — callers push victims to act without checking the facts.
Local authorities say awareness remains the strongest defense.
Community Awareness Matters
Police are asking residents to help spread the warning, especially to older adults who are often targeted in impersonation scams.
“Stay alert and help spread the word to keep our community safe,” the department said.
As scams grow more sophisticated, officials say a simple rule can protect residents:
If someone demands payment over the phone while claiming to be law enforcement, it is a scam.