It has come to the attention of the TN Entertainment Commission (TEC) that a member of our community was contacted via email and asked to cash a check to purchase equipment for an upcoming production. The TEC believes this is a potential  scam.  There are a variety of ways this scam works,  typically the perpetrator will approach someone in the local community to cash a check, by the time the bank realizes the check is fraudulent, the fraudster has communicated to the victim that the production is cancelled and has requested their money be returned immediately.  The victim in this scenario then returns the money to the perpetrator not realizing the check was fraudulent and has been cancelled.

As these situations arise and come to our attention we want to communicate them as quickly as possible so the public is aware and can protect themselves against any further impacts.   We are privileged to possess a local production community that adheres to high standards and follows best practices.      

If you feel you are a victim, call the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at (800)342-8385 or (615) 741-4737, or visit https://www.tn.gov/commerce/consumer-affairs.html  to file a complaint.