Lake Charles, Louisiana – Sheriff Tony Mancuso from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is once again alerting people in our region about a scam. This time more details about the scam and suspected perpetrators have been provided.

Victims have reported that they receive a phone call informing them that they have missed jury duty and that they are required to pay fees for their absence. The caller pretends to be a deputy from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and uses the name of a current CPSO deputy. The caller then instructs the victim to meet them at the intersection of Pithon Street and Gill Street in Lake Charles. The suspect then meets the victim in person and provides them with a receipt for their “payment”.

There have also been reports of a similar variation of this scam where the suspect claims to be from the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities state that victims have reported the individual on the phone to have a voice resembling a man of Middle Eastern descent. Suspects meeting the victims in person are described as a small-built black female with a tattoo that reads “NOLA” on her hand. On February 5, 2024, victims mentioned that she had blonde hair, but on February 6, 2024, she was described as having dark hair. Detectives have searched the vicinity and tried to find and recognize the suspects, but have been unsuccessful.

Sheriff Mancuso wants to make it clear to residents that a deputy will never request money or any type of payment in exchange for missing jury duty or for an active warrant. Additionally, Sheriff Mancuso wants residents to remember a couple of tips to protect themselves from falling victim to a scam.

• Do not succumb to the pressure of making a rushed decision. Scammers employ tactics that instill a feeling of urgency to manipulate you into acting swiftly.
• Before forwarding any funds, double-check the accuracy of the provided details.
• Do not give money in response to a phone call or email asking for it.

Currently, the CPSO has received around 15 phone calls regarding this fraudulent scheme, with 4 of the callers reporting that their money has been taken.

If anyone has any details about these incidents or suspects they have been targeted by these swindlers, they are asked to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-491-3605.