Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory is urging residents to be cautious of a phone scam that has been reported in the area. The scam, which has many variations, involves a caller claiming to be a deputy with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO).
According to reports, the scammer contacts victims by phone, stating that they have outstanding legal issues and must pay fees to avoid arrest. The caller may use the name of a current CPSO deputy and even manipulate the caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from the CPSO. In some cases, the scammer instructs the victim to purchase a prepaid card or use a Bitcoin kiosk to make the payment.
However, Sheriff Guillory emphasizes that this is a scam and that under no circumstances will a CPSO deputy ask for money or any form of payment in lieu of arrest. The sheriff’s office is warning residents to be vigilant and not to fall victim to this scam.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, you are advised to contact your local law enforcement agency or the CPSO directly. It is essential to remember that law enforcement agencies will never ask for payment or personal financial information over the phone.
To protect yourself from this scam, it is recommended that you:
- Never provide personal financial information or payment over the phone
- Verify the identity of the caller and check with the CPSO to confirm their legitimacy
- Be cautious of callers who use high-pressure tactics to demand payment
- Report any suspicious calls to your local law enforcement agency
By being aware of this scam and taking the necessary precautions, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to this type of crime.