HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — A joint sting by the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation uncovered a scam targeting elderly people.

Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins said more than a million dollars was taken from local residents, who were told they were winners of the Publishers’ Clearing House sweepstakes. The scam was uncovered after one man reached out to law enforcement.

“The victim is contacted by phone that they are the contest winner, but in order to receive their prize, it is necessary to pay taxes on the winnings in advance and in cash,” Mullins said. “The victim is instructed to make cash withdrawals, take a photo of the cash, and then put it in an envelope or small box. At that point, someone who identifies as a representative of Publisher’s Clearing House will go to the victim’s home and retrieve the money.”

After learning about the scam, investigators set up a sting and arrested one person. HCSO said that Samuel Bobby Campbell, 48, was attempting to retrieve $75,000 when he was met by law enforcement instead. A release from the sheriff’s office added that he flew from a northern state to Tennessee. He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“The people involved in these international criminal enterprises aren’t playing around,” Mullins said. “The fact they would actually fly someone in from another state and go directly to the victim’s home shows they mean business.”

Mullins also thanks those who helped them apprehend Campbell, including the Johnson City Office of the FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He added that educating people about this scam will help stop it.

“If you or a family member is notified that you’ve won any amount of money, I encourage you to do your research,” Mullins added. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

HCSO added that the investigation into the scam and Campbell is ongoing.