Authorities warn of new scam call impersonating law enforcement officers

Published: Feb. 3, 2023 at 4:57 PM CST|Updated: Feb. 4, 2023 at 6:32 PM CST
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SOUTHWEST, La. (KPLC) - Multiple individuals are identifying themselves as Sheriff’s Officers and scam-calling area citizens for money.

The first report came from the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.

VPSO said the individual identifies himself as Sgt. Taylor, and calls in regards to active warrants for missing court.

The individual may call from various phone numbers but 337-404-6562 Ext. 700 has been identified as a number used relating to the scam calls.

“VPSO called the number and identified ourselves but Sgt. Taylor rudely disconnected the call,” VPSO said in the Facebook post.

VPSO urges citizens who receive a call to hang up and block the number.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is also warning of a scam caller.

Victims reported receiving a phone call stating a warrant has been issued for their arrest due to their failure to appear for jury, CPSO said. The caller, who uses the name of a currently employed Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy, instructs the victim to purchase a prepaid card to void the warrant and avoid arrest.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso said a valid arrest warrant for the majority of time 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.