Local Louisiana Agencies Are Warning Residents Over New Scams

Attention Louisiana residents! State agencies are warning everyone about a big increase in spam phone calls. These calls can be annoying and sometimes even dangerous, so it’s important to be careful. Multiple Sheriff Departments have released statements regarding a new Spam Call that is going around.

What Are Spam Calls?

Spam calls are unwanted phone calls that can come from telemarketers or scammers. These callers might try to sell you something, trick you into giving them money, or steal your personal information. They often pretend to be from a trusted company or even a government agency.

How to Recognize a Spam Call

• Unknown Numbers: Be careful if you get a call from a number you don’t recognize.
• Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers often try to make you act fast by saying you will get a big reward or be in trouble if you don’t respond immediately.
• Asking for Personal Information: Never give out your personal information, like your Social Security number or bank details, over the phone unless you are sure it is a trusted source.

What You Can Do About Spam Calls

• Don’t Answer: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.
• Hang Up: If you answer and it seems like a spam call, hang up right away.
• Block the Number: Use your phone’s settings to block the number so they can’t call you again.
• Report the Call: Let the authorities know about spam calls. This can help them track and stop the scammers.

There has apparently been a new Spam Phone Call being reported to the State Agencies as over the weekend, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office released this statement.

Police say the scammers are calling victims, pretending to be law enforcement, and attempting to get information or money from them. Troopers are warning people not to give their personal information to any caller over the phone. LSP says they would never ask for payment or monetary donations over the phone.

There was also a statement released from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office over the weekend regarding a Facebook Marketplace scam. Here's what it said...

We have been made aware of a scam relating to real estate listings. If you are shopping online or using Facebook Marketplace for property to live or rent we ask you to please confirm/verify the agency/agent before exchanging financial or personal information. There are listings that are being duplicated with false information to scam potential buyers.

Louisiana agencies are working hard to stop these spam calls, but they need your help. By being careful and knowing what to look for, you can protect yourself and your personal information.

If you have any questions or need to report a spam call, contact your local consumer protection office or visit their website for more information. Stay safe and be smart about who you talk to on the phone!