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Public Notice for Phone Scam Impersonating Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee is alerting the public to an ongoing phone scam in which callers are fraudulently claiming to represent the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and falsely stating that a warrant has been issued by Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. These scam calls are designed to intimidate victims by threatening arrest or legal action unless immediate payment is made or personal information is provided.

The court urges the public to remain cautious, as scammers have been imitating a call from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department’s phone number to make the calls appear legitimate.  The United States District Court emphasizes that neither the Court nor law enforcement agencies will ever demand payment or personal information over the phone regarding warrants or other legal matters.  Warrants and official court actions are communicated through formal channels, not unsolicited phone calls.

If you receive a suspicious call:

  • Hang up immediately if you suspect the call is a scam.
  • Do NOT provide any money, gift cards, or other things of value.
  • Do NOT provide any personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card or bank account numbers.
  • Verify any legal claims by directly contacting the United States District Court or the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
  • Report suspicious calls to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Contact:       
United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
167 North Main Street, Room 242
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
(901) 495-1500 Jury Office

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