CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A California man has been arrested in Cumberland County after authorities say he traveled to East Tennessee to collect tens of thousands of dollars from a victim targeted in a fraud scheme.
According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined that 26-year-old Ravi Ravi, of Ontario, California, allegedly traveled to Crossville to obtain $50,000 in cash from a person who had been targeted by scammers.
Authorities said the planned exchange was set to take place at the 19th Hole Restaurant in Lake Tansi.
As a result of the investigation, Ravi was arrested on Nov. 6 and charged with attempted theft of property and computer-related offenses.
Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox said financial scams continue to cause significant losses for victims and often involve coordinated criminal networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.
“Financial crimes continue to target innocent citizens, often resulting in devastating financial losses,” Cox said. “These criminal operations frequently involve individuals working across state and international boundaries.”
Cox added that partnerships with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, federal agencies and other law enforcement organizations are helping investigators identify and arrest those involved in complex fraud operations.
The sheriff’s office said Ravi’s arrest was part of a nationwide enforcement initiative targeting organized fraud schemes involving older adults across North America.
Officials are also reminding residents to be cautious if they receive requests to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase gold or hand over valuables.
“Scammers often impersonate trusted officials, demand secrecy, and pressure people to act before they can speak with their bank or law enforcement,” the sheriff’s office said. “If you receive one of these requests, stop and call law enforcement before handing over money or valuables.”
Ravi is currently being held in the Cumberland County Jail on a $208,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 7.
In addition to the local charges, authorities said Ravi is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for an alleged federal immigration law violation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
