The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain vigilant after receiving reports of a phone scam targeting individuals throughout the area.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting residents by telephone and falsely identifying themselves as sheriff’s deputies or bail bondsmen. During the calls, the scammers claim that a friend or family member has been arrested and urgently needs money.
Authorities say the callers often tell victims that the local jail is overcrowded and that payment is needed to secure a release or obtain alternative arrangements. In some cases, the scammers request that victims purchase gift cards and provide the card information over the phone. Other callers have reportedly claimed the money is needed to pay for an ankle monitor.
Law enforcement officials stress that these claims are completely fraudulent.
“This is a scam,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a public advisory.
Officials emphasized that no representative of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office will ever contact residents requesting money, gift cards, or other forms of payment over the phone in connection with an arrest, bond, or inmate release.
The Sheriff’s Office advises anyone receiving such a call to hang up immediately and avoid providing personal information, financial information, or payment of any kind.
Residents are encouraged to independently verify the status of any family member or friend they believe may be involved in an incident by contacting law enforcement directly using official phone numbers.
Authorities also recommend reporting scam attempts to local law enforcement agencies as well as the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a national cybercrime reporting system operated in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies.
Scams involving impersonation of law enforcement officers have become increasingly common across the country, often relying on fear and urgency to pressure victims into sending money before they have time to verify the information.
The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to discuss these scams with family members, particularly elderly relatives who are often targeted by fraudsters.
Officials remind the public that if a caller demands immediate payment through gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional payment methods, it is a strong indication of fraudulent activity.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor reports of the scam and encourages residents to remain cautious and report any suspicious calls.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized by a scam should contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.