An East Tennessee senior handed over $51,000 in cash after investigators said a caller posing as a federal agent convinced him that his Social Security number had been compromised and his money was no longer safe.
The caller claimed the victim’s computer had been hacked and that someone at his bank was secretly helping the hackers, according to WVLT, citing the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the victim was persuaded to buy a new laptop, allow remote access and withdraw cash for supposed safekeeping.
Cumberland County investigators became involved Sept. 28 after two cash handoffs had already taken place. Two days later, deputies arrested Abu Saleh, 47, of Atlanta, Georgia, during a controlled pickup arranged with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Cybercrimes unit.
The Victim Had Already Handed Over $51,000
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the first cash exchange occurred Sept. 22 at a Walmart in Cleveland, Tennessee, where the victim handed a courier a package containing $24,000.
The following day, another cash handoff took place at a motel in Crossville. That package contained $27,000.
Investigators said the victim believed the money was being protected until a new bank account could be opened.
The two pickups totaled $51,000. When another $14,000 was requested, investigators worked with the victim to arrange a controlled third meeting rather than allowing another cash loss.
A Decoy Package Led to Saleh’s Arrest
Investigators prepared a decoy package and set the third pickup for the McDonald’s parking lot on Peavine Road.
The Sheriff’s Office said Saleh arrived Sept. 30 and took possession of the package while believing it contained $14,000. Deputies then arrested him.
The Cumberland County inmate roster lists an intake time of 2:10 p.m. that day and identifies the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office as the arresting agency.
The booking record lists four bonds: $300,000 for theft of property, $150,000 for criminal attempt, $200,000 for financial exploitation of an elderly person and $2 million for a warrant from another state. Together, the listed bonds total $2.65 million.
The Sheriff’s Office said the out-of-state warrant involved a separate alleged cash pickup in the Atlanta area.
Court Records List Four Open Cases
Cumberland County General Sessions Court records list four separate open cases against Saleh, all filed Oct. 2 and carrying Sept. 30 violation dates.
Case 18GS1-2026-CR-2711 lists theft of property valued from $10,000 to $60,000 under Tennessee Code §39-14-103.
Case 18GS1-2026-CR-2712 lists financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person under §39-15-502. Tennessee law makes it an offense to knowingly financially exploit an elderly or vulnerable adult.
Case 18GS1-2026-CR-2713 lists fugitive from justice as a felony under §40-9-103, the state’s provision addressing arrest warrants involving crimes charged in another state.
Case 18GS1-2026-CR-2714 lists theft of property valued from $10,000 to $60,000 — attempt. The court portal displays §39-14-103 for that entry.
All four cases are assigned to Judge Amanda M. Worley. The current court portal lists Saleh’s next criminal hearing for Oct. 5 at 10 a.m.
The Caller Said a Bank Employee Was Helping the Hackers
The alleged scheme closely matches a warning the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General issued in September.
SSA OIG warns that scammers may claim a bank employee is involved in fraud and tell the target that money must be moved to protect it. The scammers may remain on the phone and coach the victim through withdrawals or transfers.
In the Cumberland County case, investigators said the caller also persuaded the victim to replace his computer and provide remote access to the new device before directing him to withdraw cash.
SSA OIG says Social Security and other government agencies will not help someone transfer or move money to keep it safe. The agency advises people receiving such instructions to hang up and contact their financial institution independently using a trusted number.
Social Security Does Not Demand Cash to Fix an SSN Problem
The Social Security Administration says employees may contact members of the public by telephone in limited circumstances, but they will not threaten arrest, suspend a Social Security number or demand immediate payment.
The agency also says it will not require payment by cash, gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office similarly advises residents not to send money or personal information in response to suspicious calls and to independently verify the caller or organization before acting.