Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Warns of Holiday Scams Targeting Louisiana Residents

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It seems like there’s a new scam popping up every day. The more technology we use, the easier it becomes for scammers to target people. Just look at how realistic some of the AI social media videos look.

The scammers will be out in full force this holiday season, and officials are warning Louisiana residents of new scams to be aware of.

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Holiday shopping can be exciting, but it’s also a time to stay alert, as scammers often target busy shoppers. Whether you’re shopping online or in stores, be cautious with your personal and financial information. Look out for fake websites, phishing emails, and deals that seem too good to be true—they’re often traps set by scammers to steal your money or identity. Stick to trusted retailers, use secure payment methods, and monitor your bank statements for unusual activity.

READ MORE: FBI Warning Residents About 2 Holiday Scams

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Warns Residents About New Scam

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a bonding scam that is back in the area. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says scammers are calling family members of people who are in jail. They pretend to be part of a bonding company, and sometimes even claim to be CPSO deputies.

Some scammers are using real names of CPSO employees and sharing details about the person in jail, which they likely got online, to seem more believable. Then, they try to convince family members that they can pay to get their loved one out of jail. Most often, they ask for payment through cryptocurrency, Zelle, or Cash App.