Another common scam by telephone has prompted the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office to warn citizens of callers attempting to steal money who falsely claim to be affiliated with the agency.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers have been calling local residents using employee names, ranks, and fake badge numbers in an attempt to appear legitimate. In some of the calls, victims are told they missed a court date and have an outstanding warrant, while others offer alternatives to a traditional bail bondsman or request payment through gift cards.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that it will never ask for gift cards, recommend a specific bail bondsman, or take any type of payment over the phone.
Residents who receive a suspicious call are encouraged to hang up and contact the sheriff’s office at 318-251-5111. Officials warn never to send money or provide personal or financial information to unknown callers.
LPSO noted the scammers can spoof the department’s phone number so it appears on Caller ID even though it is not coming from the sheriff’s office. If ever in doubt if the call is legitimate, citizens can hang up and call the LPSO to ask to speak to the caller.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to share the warning with family, friends and neighbors.
