A telephone scam has resurfaced in Webster Parish with callers claiming to represent local law enforcement officers seeking individuals who they claim have missed jury duty and must pay “fees” to avoid arrest.

Sheriff’s Office Major Dustin Reynolds said the callers are using the names of officers and phone caller identifications often show local numbers.

“Some of the people who were contacted said the caller used my name, and the names of others in our department,” Reynolds said. “These callers have also apparently ‘spoofed’ phone numbers to make it look like the calls are local.”

Reynolds said residents should know the Sheriff’s Office never calls someone demanding any type of payment.

“We do not call someone asking for fees or any type of payment,” Reynolds said.

Unfortunately, Reynolds said, there’s little investigators can do to track down the individuals who are making the calls.

“With all the technology available to these scammers, it is almost impossible to find them,” he said. “The best defense against this type of scam is for the public to be informed. If anyone receives this type of call, just remember no law enforcement agency is going  call and ask a person to send money anywhere.”