Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins wants the community to be aware that phone scams are on the rise.

According to Mullins, the HCSO has received reports that individuals, identifying themselves as HCSO employees, are calling citizens asking for money in order to keep from being arrested.

“At no time will Sheriff’s Office personnel call anyone asking for money, bank account information or gift card numbers,” Mullins said. “I can’t stress enough how important it is not to engage in conversations with these callers.

“Just hang up,” Mullins said.

Mullins added these scammers know how to manipulate numbers to make it look like a local call, when in fact they may be calling from another state or country.

“These scammers can be very convincing and if you talk with them, you may end up sharing sensitive information without realizing it,” he said. “Simply hang up and if possible, block the number.”

Those having questions should call the HCSO at 423-586-3781.