Lake Charles, LA –
Sheriff Tony Mancuso is warning area residents of a scam that has recently surfaced in our 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! Sheriff 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. 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 anyone believes they may have been victimized by these scammers, please contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 491-3605.