Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary "Stitch" Guillory has issued a warning to local residents regarding a persistent scam that has resurfaced in the area. Reports indicate that victims are receiving phone calls claiming they have missed jury duty or are facing legal issues that require immediate payment to avoid arrest. The callers often impersonate deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) and may even use the name of an actual deputy to lend credibility to their claims.
In many cases, the scammer employs a technique known as "spoofing," which allows them to display the CPSO's main phone number on the recipient's caller ID. This tactic is designed to mislead individuals into believing that the call is legitimate. Sheriff Guillory emphasizes that under no circumstances would a CPSO deputy request money or any form of payment in connection with jury duty or an active warrant.
To help residents protect themselves from falling victim to such scams, Sheriff Guillory has provided several key tips:
- Resist the pressure to make an immediate decision: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to compel victims to act quickly without thinking.
- Verify the legitimacy of the request: Always double-check any claims or demands for payment before taking any action.
- Never send money based on a phone call or email: Legitimate agencies will not ask for payment in such a manner.
Residents who believe they may have been targeted or have fallen victim to this scam are urged to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office at 337-491-3605 for assistance.