An East Tennessee senior was deceived by a caller posing as a federal agent and handed over $51,000 in two cash handoffs after being told his Social Security number and bank accounts were compromised. Deputies, with the TBI Cybercrimes Unit, staged a controlled third pickup using a decoy $14,000 package and arrested 47-year-old Abu Saleh on Sept. 30. Court records list four charges, bonds totaling $2.65 million and an Oct. 5 hearing. Officials warn: never move money at a caller’s direction and verify government contacts independently.
‘Federal Agent’ Scam Leaves East Tennessee Senior $51K Short; Suspect Arrested With $14K Decoy
Image Credit: Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
An East Tennessee man in his 60s was tricked into handing over $51,000 in cash after a caller posing as a federal agent convinced him his Social Security number and bank accounts had been compromised.
Investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office say the caller claimed the victim’s computer had been hacked and alleged a bank employee was secretly aiding the fraud. The caller persuaded the man to buy a new laptop, allow remote access to the device and withdraw large sums of cash so the caller could supposedly safeguard the funds while a new bank account was opened.
How the Scheme Unfolded
Authorities say two cash handoffs already occurred before local investigators became involved on Sept. 28. According to the sheriff’s office, the first pickup took place Sept. 22 at a Walmart in Cleveland, Tennessee, where the victim handed a courier a package containing $24,000. The second handoff occurred Sept. 23 at a motel in Crossville and contained $27,000. Together, the two transactions totaled $51,000.
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office inmate roster lists Abu Saleh's Sept. 30 intake and four charges with bonds totaling $2.65 million. Source: Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
When the scammers requested another $14,000, deputies, working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Cybercrimes Unit and the victim, arranged a controlled third meeting and prepared a decoy package to avoid further loss.
Arrest and Charges
The staged pickup was scheduled for the McDonald’s parking lot on Peavine Road. Deputies say 47-year-old Abu Saleh of Atlanta arrived on Sept. 30, took possession of the decoy package believing it contained $14,000, and was arrested immediately.
Cumberland County’s inmate roster lists Saleh’s intake at 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 30 and identifies the sheriff’s office as the arresting agency. The booking record shows four bonds totaling $2.65 million: $300,000 for theft of property, $150,000 for criminal attempt, $200,000 for financial exploitation of an elderly person and $2 million for an out-of-state warrant. The sheriff’s office said that out-of-state warrant relates to a separate alleged cash pickup in the Atlanta area.
Cumberland County General Sessions Court records list four open cases against Abu Saleh, including theft, attempted theft, financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person and fugitive-from-justice allegations. The portal lists an Oct. 5 hearing at 10 a.m. Source: Cumberland County General Sessions Court.
Court filings dated Oct. 2 list four open cases against Saleh assigned to Judge Amanda M. Worley, with a next hearing set for Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. Charges include theft of property valued between $10,000 and $60,000, attempted theft, financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person, and a fugitive-from-justice charge tied to the out-of-state warrant.
Official Warnings and Advice
The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) recently warned about similar scams in which callers claim a bank employee is involved in fraud and coach victims through withdrawals or transfers while remaining on the phone.
SSA OIG stresses that government agencies will not demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, suspend Social Security numbers, or instruct people to transfer funds to keep them "safe." The agency also says it will never require payment by cash, gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office similarly advises residents not to send money or personal information in response to unsolicited calls and to verify any caller independently using a trusted phone number.
Sources: Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County General Sessions Court records, SSA OIG guidance.
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