Detectives with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) have recovered more than $200,000 in two separate fraud investigations, one involving a federal treasury scam and the other a monthslong online romance scam.
Treasury scam
On March 25, HCSO detectives launched an investigation after receiving a report of a $54,000 fraud. The victim said they had been contacted by someone posing as a U.S. Department of Treasury representative.
The scammer convinced the victim to send a $50,000 cashier’s check and $4,000 in gift cards. Detectives traced the funds to a business front known as A+B Wireless Sales and, through legal channels, identified the account where the money had been deposited.
Investigators were able to seize the funds and return the victim’s entire $54,000.
Romance scam
The second case, which began April 25, involved a complex online romance scam resulting in $254,000 in losses for the victim. The scheme began in November 2024 when the victim connected with the scammer through a dating app. Over several months, the scammer cultivated a relationship, convincing the victim they would marry, move to Florida and buy a home together.
The scam involved multiple fraudulent financial tactics, including Bitcoin transfers, wire transfers, cashier’s checks, bank transactions and gift cards. At one point, the scammer deposited $700,000 into a joint account, claiming the money was “her” contribution toward their shared future.
Detectives believe these funds were stolen from other victims and used to gain credibility.
The victim eventually sold his home, quit his longtime job and transferred his funds into a joint Bitcoin account. But when he arrived at the airport expecting to travel to Florida to start their new life, there was no ticket – and his accounts had been drained.
Even after the betrayal, the scammer attempted to continue the deception, claiming the missing funds were due to a “mix-up.”
Through extensive investigative work, detectives seized $150,987.69 from one of the scammer’s accounts, which will be returned to the victim. Incredibly, after the seizure, the scammer contacted HCSO demanding the money back.
Sheriff urges vigilance
Sheriff Austin Garrett warns that scams targeting Hamilton County residents remain widespread and evolving.
“While these investigations continue, it’s important to remember our citizens work hard for their money, and despite our ongoing efforts to educate the public about scams, too many people continue to fall victim – often to criminals operating outside the United States.
Garrett stresses that the HCSO and other county offices will never call, text or email residents demanding money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
“Tennessee does not have toll roads, warrants cannot be canceled with gift cards and no government agency will solicit payments in Bitcoin or other nontraditional methods. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
Common local scams
HCSO warned residents to watch for the most frequent scam tactics in Hamilton County, which often involve claims of missing jury duty, threats of arrest unless a warrant fee is paid and text messages about unpaid parking tickets or tolls.
Garrett credits his detectives’ dedication for recovering funds in both cases.
“I’m grateful for the hard work and commitment of my detectives who remain focused on holding accountable those who victimize our residents. These two incidents demonstrate that their efforts are producing results.”