The Hamilton County General Sessions Court has learned of at least two possible spoofing calls in recent days made to defendants from the county cell phone number of a judge. The caller impersonated the judge and requested money to settle an actual open case.
Hamilton County judges do not call defendants directly and will never ask for money over the phone to settle pending matters.
"Spoofing" a phone number occurs when an unscrupulous individual manipulates caller ID to have it appear a phone call is coming from another, legitimate phone number. It is illegal if the intent is to defraud a person.
Individuals who have received a similar call should contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office at 622-0022.