Sheriff Tony Mancuso is warning area residents of a scam that has recently surfaced in the area. 

Victims report receiving a phone call stating there is a civil issue involving them that needs to be resolved.  The caller states if they fail to resolve the issue by making a payment it will then become criminal and a warrant may be issued for their arrest.  The caller claims to be a deputy with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and use a name of a current CPSO deputy.

This is a scam.

Mancuso wants residents to know that the majority of the time a valid arrest warrant is served in person by law enforcement officials; however, in some circumstances a law enforcement official may call you if you have a warrant but under no circumstance will that officer ever ask for money or any form of payment. Here a tips to use to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

• Resist the pressure to make an immediate decision.  Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly
• Verify the information before sending any money
• Never send money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail. 

If anyone believes they may have been victimized by these scammers, contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 491-3605.