Louisiana Authorities Warn of New Fake Warrant Phone Scam

(KNGT-FM) - It feels like every day we're getting a new warning about a new scam that is impacting residents in so many different ways. Now, another scam is targeting Southwest Louisiana, and agencies are warning the public. We've got everything you need to know...

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Speaking from personal experience, I have received numerous spam calls on my phone lately. I'm talking 8-10 of these per day. Scams can come in all shapes and sizes, whether it's a text message, email, or phone call.

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.

READ MORE: Louisiana Warning Residents Over Fake OMV Texts

Another phone scam is making its way through Southwest Louisiana, and this time, scammers are pretending to be law enforcement officers. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office says someone is calling people while pretending to be Chief Deputy Jared Morton. The caller claims there is a warrant for the person’s arrest and then demands money to clear it up.

Authorities warn this is completely fake. Real law enforcement officers do not call people asking for money, and they never demand payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. If there is ever a real warrant, deputies will deliver it in person.

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Here is the official release on Social Media from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office:

We are alerting you again about the return to our area of a SCAM. We are receiving reports of telephone and text messages advising that they are BPSO Chief Deputy Jared Morton and Chief Detective Sylvester Desmond advising that they have a warrant for their arrest and demanding that high fees be paid through a third party before arriving at our Sheriff’s Office. These individuals also follow up the phone call with a text message with a photo of a fake warrant.

 

We DO NOT operate in this fashion ever and will never call or text you to demand payment like this. If you do receive calls or texts of this nature, please know this is a scam and can confirm this by contacting our office at 337-463-3281. Always use caution when receiving calls and texts like this and check directly with us before making the mistake of sending them money.

This isn't only a Beauregard Parish scam; there have been other instances reported in other parts of the State as well.