Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - A recent scam has been targeting residents of Calcasieu Parish with scammers posing as deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO). The scammers claim that the victim has either missed jury duty or has an outstanding warrant and must pay a fee to avoid arrest.
According to the CPSO, the scammers use various tactics to appear legitimate, including using the names of actual deputies. However, the sheriff's office emphasizes that it will never ask for money or any form of payment in lieu of missing jury duty or for an active warrant. The scammers typically demand payment via prepaid cards, wire transfers, or Bitcoin kiosks, claiming that this will void the warrant and prevent arrest.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory urges residents to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the CPSO. "We take these scams seriously and actively investigate any claim," he said. "These scammers prey on fear and urgency, threatening immediate arrest if you are non-compliant. We urge residents to report any suspicious activity to CPSO."
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Southwest Louisiana also warns residents to be aware of this scam. The BBB advises residents to avoid engaging with unsolicited callers requesting personal information or payment. If a resident receives such a call, they should not provide any personal or financial details and hang up immediately. To verify the legitimacy of the claim, residents should contact the CPSO or their local law enforcement agency directly.
The BBB and the CPSO are working together to combat this scam and protect residents. Residents are encouraged to spread awareness of this scam to protect others in the community. If a resident believes they have been targeted by this scam, they should contact the CPSO at (337) 491-3605 and report it to the BBB's Scam Tracker at www.bbb.org/scamtracker.
In today's digital age, it's essential to be vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls or messages. By being aware of this scam and taking the necessary precautions, residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these scammers.
What to do if you're targeted by this scam:
- Do not provide any personal or financial information.
- Hang up immediately.
- Verify the legitimacy of the claim by contacting the CPSO or your local law enforcement agency directly.
- Report the scam to the CPSO and the BBB's Scam Tracker.
By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, residents can protect themselves and their community from these scammers.