Louisiana Authorities Warning of Sweepstakes Scam

Lake Charles, Louisiana – Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso issued a warning to area residents on July 20, 2022, about a scam that had recently surfaced in the area. Victims claim they received a phone call from a suspect claiming to work for Publishers Clearing House. They inform the victim that they have won a new car but must pay the taxes on it, and they instruct the victim to buy gift cards to make the payment. The suspect’s phone number appears to be a call from Jamaica. Sheriff Mancuso indicated that this is a scam.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Mancuso wants to remind residents of a few tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

Resist the pressure to make an immediate decision. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly
Verify the information before sending any money
Never send money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail.

Also, legitimate companies will not require that you pay using gift cards or prepaid cards.

Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by these scammers to please contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-491-3605.