Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - Calcasieu Parish residents are being warned about a bail bond scam that has resurfaced in the area, targeting family members of people who are currently in jail.
Sheriff Stitch Guillory announced that scammers are contacting relatives of incarcerated individuals and pretending to represent a legitimate bonding company. In some cases, the callers are going even further by claiming to be deputies with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO).
According to the sheriff’s office, the scammers sometimes use the real names of CPSO employees. They also provide specific details about the person who was arrested, including their charges. Those details are likely pulled from online public records, making the callers sound more convincing and official to worried family members.
Once the scammers gain the victims’ trust, they claim they can arrange to bond the family member out of jail. They then request payment, most often through cryptocurrency, Zelle, or Cash App. Law enforcement officials stress that this is a scam and that residents should not send money based solely on a phone call or email.
The sheriff’s office emphasized several key safety tips for residents:
- Do not be pressured into making quick decisions about sending money.
- Independently verify any business, bonding company, or caller before making a payment.
- Never send funds based only on a phone call or email, even if the caller uses real names or specific case details.
- Trust personal instincts. If something feels suspicious or “off,” hang up immediately and report it.
Officials are urging anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized by this bonding scam to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-491-3605.
The warning underscores a continuing trend in which scammers use technology, public information, and fast electronic payment methods to appear legitimate. By slowing down, double-checking information, and refusing to pay through unofficial channels, residents can reduce their chances of becoming victims.