These Are Eight Common Scams Targeting Suburban Families in the Nashville Metro Area
Scammers are targeting suburban families in the Nashville metro area—here’s what you need to know to stay safe. 🌐 #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Crime
NASHVILLE, TN – Not long ago, my hubby Jack and I nearly fell for a scam. It started with what seemed like a simple text from our bank in Tennessee, warning us about suspicious activity. We were seconds away from clicking the link when something felt off. Instead of responding, we called the bank directly—only to learn it was a phishing attempt designed to steal our information.
That experience got us thinking: how many other scams are out there targeting families like ours? We reached out to local law enforcement, financial security experts, and home security specialists to uncover the most common scams hitting suburban families in the Nashville metro area.
Here’s what we found.
1. Fake Utility Bill Threats
Scammers pose as Nashville Electric Service or Metro Water, claiming your bill is overdue. They threaten immediate service shutoff unless you make a payment through a prepaid gift card or wire transfer.
What to do: If you get one of these calls, hang up and contact your utility provider directly. Real companies don’t demand immediate payments through untraceable methods.
2. Porch Pirate Scams
With online shopping booming, package theft is a growing problem. Some criminals even follow delivery trucks, swiping boxes within minutes of drop-off. Others pose as couriers and “accidentally” deliver empty packages to scope out homes.
What to do: Install a security camera or a video doorbell, and require a signature for valuable deliveries.
3. Grandparent Scam
This one tugs at the heartstrings. Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild in trouble—often claiming to be arrested or in a hospital. They beg for money and ask you not to tell anyone.
What to do: Always verify the story by calling your real family members before sending money.
4. Fake Home Improvement Contractors
After storms roll through Middle Tennessee, scammers posing as contractors go door-to-door, offering quick roof or driveway repairs. They demand a large deposit upfront and then vanish.
What to do: Always check credentials, get written contracts, and never pay the full amount before work starts.
5. Property Deed Fraud
Some homeowners have discovered their property deeds were fraudulently transferred to scammers who then try to sell the house out from under them. This is especially a risk for rental properties or vacant homes.
What to do: Check property records regularly and consider title fraud protection.
6. Fake Kidnapping Calls
Some Nashville families have received terrifying calls claiming a loved one has been kidnapped. The scammer demands a ransom, using background noise or AI-generated voices to make it sound real.
What to do: Hang up and call your loved one directly. Report the scam to law enforcement.
7. Social Security and IRS Scams
Scammers pretend to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration, claiming you owe back taxes or that your benefits are in jeopardy. They often use fear tactics and demand immediate payment.
What to do: The IRS and SSA don’t call people out of the blue. If you get one of these calls, it’s a scam.
8. Fake Babysitting or Nanny Jobs
Some parents looking for child care have fallen for fake job listings that require an upfront “background check fee” or involve overpayment scams. Scammers send a check, ask for some money to be sent back, and then the original check bounces.
What to do: Research sitters through trusted platforms, never pay fees upfront, and avoid anyone who overpays for no reason.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
Scammers constantly evolve their tactics, but knowledge is the best defense. If something feels off, trust your gut. When in doubt, verify information with official sources, and never rush into giving out money or personal details.
Have you encountered any of these scams in the Nashville area? Let us know in the comments. The more we share, the harder we make it for scammers to succeed!
RELATED TOPICS: Lifestyle | Scams | Tennessee
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