Sheriff warns SW La. residents of scam
Published 9:28 pm Wednesday, November 29, 2023
- Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso. (Crystal Stevenson / American Press)
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.