Oak Ridge Today

Learn to outsmart scammers on Wednesday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Public Library Scam Safety Seminar Aug 21 2019

The Oak Ridge Public Library will host a lunch and learn program next week called “You Have the Power to Outsmart the Scammers” as part of World Wise Wednesdays. The presentation is scheduled for August 21 from noon until 1 p.m.

The discussion will focus on incidents of fraud and some of the complex tactics used by scammers, a press release said. A local financial adviser will lead the presentation and outline steps everyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from fraudulent activity, the release said.

[Read more…]

Oak Ridge police host ‘Ask an Officer’ on Wednesday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The Oak Ridge Police Department will offer an educational “Ask an Officer” session focused on ways to prevent identity theft and fraud at the Oak Ridge Civic Center on Wednesday, November 7, at 1 p.m.

“Join Oak Ridge Police Investigator Wendy Zolkowski for this special program sponsored by the Oak Ridge Senior Center,” a press release said. The event will be held in the B Room and is open to participants of any age. Everyone is invited to attend and learn ways to protect themselves against identity theft, the press release said. [Read more…]

Cocke County says case closed after widow releases suicide note, but parents dispute note

Posted at
By 9 Comments

Alexander John Heitman

Alexander John Heitman

Officials say it was suicide. But the parents are skeptical.

So questions linger almost four years after Alexander John Heitman, 29, of Knoxville, was found dead in Cocke County after being reported missing by Oak Ridge Schools. Heitman reportedly died on Tranquility Ridge Drive outside Newport on July 25, 2011. Officials said it was suicide, a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

But Heitman’s parents, Don and Annette Heitman of Adams, Wisconsin, find it hard to believe. They aren’t the only ones. Some current and former Oak Ridge residents, including City Council member Trina Baughn, are also skeptical of the official cause of death.

Heitman’s widow, Kristie Heitman, is not. In February, she released a suicide note that she believes Alex, who was the supervisor of business and support services for Oak Ridge Schools, wrote the day before he died.

Neither is Cocke County Sheriff Armando Fontes. In March, he said the case is closed, and there is no reason to continue pursuing it. Investigators found no evidence that anyone else was involved, Fontes said.

But Don and Annette continue to seek answers. They started a website in October 2013 and used it to raise questions about the case. They’ve also asked for the death investigation to be re-opened, hired attorney Hugh Ward to help them, and won the support of Baughn and others. They’ve also asked the FBI to investigate. [Read more…]

Chamber Seminar Series: Protect your small business from fraud

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Jason Mooney

Jason Mooney

A November 5 seminar at the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce will feature a seminar on small business and fraud.

The seminar by Jason Mooney of Regions Bank will be titled “Protect Your Small Business from Fraud.” It’s scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, at the Chamber office.

“Financial loss due to fraud is something that companies are experiencing more and more,” a press release said. “This seminar is geared to help business owners spot and mitigate the risk of potential financial loss due to fraudulent activity. This course will go over the different types of fraud that occur, as well as go over steps that can help prevent these different types of fraud from occurring. Actual fraud cases and the lessons learned will be reviewed during this informative seminar.” [Read more…]

Anderson County sheriff warns of jury duty fraud scam

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Paul White

Paul White

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public about a phone scam involving a claim of missed jury duty and a request to buy a money order to pay fines.

In a Thursday night press release, the Sheriff’s Department said it has received a report of a man who placed a phone call to a victim and identified himself as a sheriff’s deputy. The scammer informed the victim they have missed jury duty, and he asked them to buy a money order to pay the fines. He then asked the victim to meet him to pay and avoid going to jail. This scam has apparently been attempted in Anderson County and in the Clinton area.

The caller ID of the scammer shows “Warrants Division,” but that is fake and this is a scam, Anderson County Sheriff Paul White said in the press release.

“This is the same scam that has been circulating this week in Knox County,” he said. “There are several variations of scams targeting our area. The callers are claiming to be officers with various law enforcement agencies and are collecting funds for missed jury duty or outstanding warrants. In most of the scams, the caller request that funds be paid by purchasing either a prepaid credit card or money order.” [Read more…]

Clinton man charged with TennCare fraud in Knox County

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

An Anderson County man has been charged in Knox County with TennCare fraud for using his son’s TennCare healthcare insurance benefits, authorities said.

Anthony Eugene Morgan, alias Anthony Eugene Morgan Sr., 44, of Clinton, was arrested Wednesday, the Tennessee Office of Inspector General said in a press release. It’s Morgan’s second arrest for TennCare fraud.

[Read more…]