By Pat Culverhouse

Scammers are at it again, this time targeting Webster Parish residents with claims that failure to report for jury duty has resulted in fines.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said his office has received several reports today (Tuesday) of phone calls from individuals claiming to be parish deputies. The calls demand payment of fines under the threat of arrest.

“In the calls, the persons are using the names of parish deputies,” Parker said. “We do not call anyone about failure to report for jury duty, and we certainly do not demand a payment.”

Major Bobby Igo III said individuals who receive the calls should contact the Sheriff’s Office.

“If you’re contacted by persons claiming to be a deputy, we would urge you to call us right away,” Igo said. “We remind our residents that we do not conduct this type of business over the phone.”