KNOXVILLE – Authorities in Marion County are warning residents of an ongoing scam targeting family members of arrested individuals.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office shared that they have received several reports of family members or loved ones of an arrested person being contacted by a restricted number shortly after arrest. The caller identifies themselves as a law enforcement employee and/or an employee of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and requests money in exchange for the arrested person being placed on a GPS monitor and released. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says that this is a scam, and that no employee of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office will call you and request money for GPS monitoring. If the arrested individual has a bond amount, that bond can be paid in person at the Sheriff’s Office, and no bond payment will be requested through any app and/or online payment.

If you receive a suspicious call of this nature, authorities advise that you do not give out any personal information or send any money. Those with concerns about the legitimacy of a call can call dispatch directly at 641-828-2220.