CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Casey Cox
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2026
GIFT CARD SCAM WARNING
Crossville, Tennessee — The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scammers identifying themselves as Pastor Hank Jones of Simple Life Church and requesting gift cards. These requests are part of an impersonation scam.
Scammers use a familiar name to gain your trust, then ask you to purchase gift cards and send the card numbers, PINs, or photographs. Once that information is shared, they can spend the money.
If you receive a request like this, stop and verify it. Call Pastor Jones or the church using a number you know is correct. Do not rely on the name, photograph, or telephone number displayed in the message. Do not let urgency pressure you into sending money.
If you have already provided gift card information, contact the card company immediately and ask whether the funds can be stopped or recovered. Keep your receipts and messages, and report the incident to the Sheriff’s Office.
Take a moment to verify before you give. Help protect others by sharing this warning.