Special to the American Press

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning area residents of a scam that may possibly surface in the area.

Victims report receiving a phone call stating they have missed jury duty and have a warrant for their arrest. The suspect advised the victim if they pay the fees associated with their absence their warrant will be voided.

The caller may claim to be a deputy with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and use a name of a current CPSO deputy. They instruct the victim to report to their local jail facility and use the kiosk in the front lobby to send money to void the warrant.  In some instances of this scam, the caller may spoof their number, making it seem as they are calling from an actual law enforcement agency.

This is a scam. Under no circumstance will a deputy ever ask for money or any form of payment in lieu of missing jury duty or for an active warrant.  Sheriff Mancuso wants to remind residents of a few 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 you believe you have been victimized by these scammers, contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 491-3605.