The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to receive reports from residents regarding scams targeting this community. Recently, there has been an uptick in scammers using a method that the office warned about last year.
These scammers are posing as law enforcement officers and demanding that victims send money to avoid being arrested. In some cases, the scammers are utilizing caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though the call is coming from WPSO or other law enforcement agencies.
“Please be aware that the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office will never call and demand that someone pay money over the phone,” officials advise. “If you receive a phone call from a number that appears to be from the local office and are suspicious about the nature of the call, we strongly encourage you to take the following precautions.”
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Ask for the caller’s name and their department.
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Inform the caller that you will call them back.
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Hang up and call the WPSO number to speak directly with the employee in question.
Officials urge you to remain skeptical when dealing with anyone who demands money from you over the phone. This is a common tactic used by scammers to pressure victims into paying money quickly.
Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office has received reports of scammers requesting payment via cryptocurrency or electronic funds transfers, such as Walmart or Western Union. These payment methods are highly irregular and would not be accepted by law enforcement offices. If anyone—whether an agency or debt collector—asks you to pay through these means, it is likely a scam.
If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam or have received a suspicious phone call, you are encouraged to contact the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately to report the incident. Your vigilance is vital in helping the Sheriff’s Office protect the residents of Winn Parish from fraud and deception.
Stay informed, stay skeptical, and stay safe.