MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (WVLT) – A man accused of working for an international scam ring has been arrested in Hamblen County after attempting to defraud a local resident out of $75,000 in cash.
Sheriff Chad Mullins confirmed that 48-year-old Samuel Bobby Campbell posed as a representative of Publishers Clearing House to carry out the scheme, which targets elderly individuals by convincing them they’ve won a large prize—but must pay taxes up front in cash.
Victims are instructed to withdraw money, photograph it, and prepare it for pickup. Campbell flew in from a northern state, arriving in Tennessee with plans to collect the money directly from a resident’s home. Instead, he was intercepted by Hamblen County deputies and the FBI.
“He thought he was picking up a cash prize,” said Sheriff Mullins. “But he met law enforcement instead.”
Investigators believe Campbell is part of a larger, international criminal enterprise currently under scrutiny for similar multi-million dollar scams across the U.S.
“This isn’t a small-time operation,” Mullins added. “They flew someone in from another state to hand-deliver the deception. That shows just how sophisticated these scams have become.”
Authorities say over $1 million has already been stolen from Hamblen County residents through similar prize scams.
The case came to light after one targeted man reported the suspicious activity to law enforcement—prompting a joint investigation that led to Campbell’s arrest.
Mullins urged residents to remain cautious and skeptical of unexpected winnings, particularly when cash payments are requested in advance.
“If you’re told you’ve won something, take a moment to research it,” he said. “Scammers prey on excitement and urgency. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Campbell is currently being held in the Hamblen County Jail, with further charges and investigations pending.
