By Pat Culverhouse

Parish residents have been receiving phone calls claiming they are the subject of arrest warrants from the Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Jason Parker wants the public to be aware it’s another scam attempt.

“We’ve received several phone calls from people who say someone is claiming to be a Lieutenant with our office. The caller is saying the people are the subject of an arrest warrant and they must pay immediately,” Parker said. “The Sheriff’s Office does not call anyone ordering them to pay.”

Individuals should never send money through any online app or purchase cards for any amount when such demands are made, the Sheriff said.

Parker said some of those who received the calls have told the caller they would go to the courthouse and settle the issue.

“Those people were told to not go to the courthouse or they would be arrested,” he said.

Parker said the caller ID number is that of the Sheriff’s Office (318-377-1515), but it’s a “spoof” method used for false identification by scammers. “Spoofing” can make it appear the calls are local.

“The number appears real, and that may cause someone to believe the call is genuine,” he said. “But, we urge the public to call us and remove any doubt.”

Parker said this recent scam is a reason he and other law enforcement and business leaders have scheduled a special event titled “You’re Being Scammed” for March 27 at the Minden Civic Center. The event is scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. and a free dinner will be provided. RSVP is required. Call 318-377-0523 (b1 Bank). Seating is limited to 400.

Featured panelists include Parker, Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver, b1 Bank’s Jack Byrd, Meriwether’s Tracy Campbell and an FBI field agent.

“This community event is planned to help people recognize this very thing,” Parker said. “We urge everyone to attend if they can. We may not be able to stop the calls, but we can perhaps prevent a serious financial loss.”