Knox County Chief Deputy John Fuller says scammers are using his name to try to steal money from local residents.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office reports callers are posing as Fuller and telling people they missed a court date and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. Officials say the courthouse has also received calls about the scam.

The sheriff’s office stresses deputies will never call and demand money or threaten arrest over the phone. Residents who get a call like this are urged to hang up immediately, give no information, and block the number.

Investigators say the calls often come from outside the state and may use spoofed phone numbers that appear to be from law enforcement or the courthouse.

Anyone who believes they were scammed is asked to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.