Scam Warning Issued in Rutherford County After Woman Loses $3,500

Authorities across Rutherford County are warning residents about an ongoing phone scam after a North Carolina woman was reportedly swindled out of $3,500 by someone posing as a law enforcement officer.

Officials say the scam involves callers claiming to be deputies or police officers, often using the name of a real or recognizable officer. The caller typically tells the victim there is a warrant for their arrest for missing jury duty or having an unpaid ticket, then demands payment to avoid arrest.

In one recent case, reports say Diamond Kiera Ellis allegedly called a Pitt County woman while pretending to be “Sgt. Walker” with the sheriff’s office. Investigators say Ellis used the common tactic of threatening arrest if the victim did not immediately send money.

An arrest warrant for Ellis was issued in December 2025. She turned herself in on February 16. Court documents indicate Ellis is from Georgia, which investigators note is common in scam cases where suspects target victims in other areas.

Ellis was charged with obtaining property by false pretense and impersonating law enforcement. She was booked into the Pitt County Detention Center and later released after posting a $10,000 bond.

Law enforcement agencies stress that deputies and police officers will never call demanding money or threaten arrest to force payment. Residents who receive such calls are urged to hang up immediately, contact their local law enforcement agency, and report the phone number used. Officials also remind the public never to share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.