The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is warning citizens of criminals posing as sheriff's deputies in order to scam people out of money.

One Murfreesboro victim received a call during which the they were told they would be arrested unless the police received a pay off. The victim was then instructed to buy a prepaid gift card and to relay the numbers on the card.

The victim bought $1,676 in prepaid gift cards and then gave the card numbers to the criminal, who then spent all of the money shortly after.

The Sheriff's Office has released a statement assuring citizens that "Sheriff's deputies do not call people and ask for cash or cards to avoid an arrest or or to pay a bond."

It is advised to simply hang up if you receive a similar call. You can also contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch at 615-898-7770 before responding to a scam.