A Murfreesboro man was swindled out of nearly $18,000 by someone using a spoofed Murfreesboro Police Department phone number, claiming there were warrants out for the man’s arrest and that his social security number had been compromised.

The 52-year old victim informed police he received a call from a man claiming to be with the police department on Tuesday, October 1. The victim’s caller ID showed phone number (615) 893-1311, which is the department’s non-emergency line. The number had been spoofed. Caller ID spoofing software allows a person to display a phone number different than the actual number from which the call is being placed.

The victim said the caller told him in order to clear his name and social security number he needed to go to the bank and withdraw all his money.  He was further instructed to purchase $17,960 in Walmart and Kroger gift cards and to read the numbers off the back.

Police are warning citizens to be aware of this phone scam. 

“We have to remind the public that the Murfreesboro Police Department will never ask for payment over the phone or request gift cards as a form of payment,” said Murfreesboro Police Chief Michael Bowen.  “Anyone receiving calls from someone identifying themselves as a police officer can call one of the department’s listed phone numbers to verify that the person, they are speaking with is an actual police officer.”

If you have fallen victim to this scam, you are urged to call police at (615) 849-2MPD (2673) or (615) 893-1311.