TN sheriff’s office warning of scammers calling parents, claiming to have abducted their children

How it works

You receive a call from an unknown number. The caller claims to have abducted your child and threatens harm unless you comply. They may know your child's name or other details to convince you it is real. They demand you meet them at a specific location like a retail store or send money immediately.

Red flags to watch for

• Caller knows your child's name or personal details about your family
• Demand for immediate payment or in-person meeting
• Threat of harm to your child if you call police
• Call from a private or blocked number
• Caller creates false sense of emergency and panic

What to do

Do not meet the caller or send money. Hang up immediately and call local police using the non-emergency number or 911. Contact your child's school or known location to verify they are safe. If your child is missing, contact police directly without delay. Do not follow the caller's instructions not to call authorities.