CRIMES

Lafourche authorities, parish president, warn of phone and mail scams

Lafourche Parish President Jimmy Cantrelle and Sheriff Craig Webre are jointly warning residents to be on heightened alert this week after a series of calls have been made to authorities regarding mail and telephone scams that have been circulating the parish.

According to a news release issued by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, several citizens received a check in the mail last month from a company claiming the recipient had just won a cash prize in a random drawing.

According to authorities, recipients were instructed to deposit the check, stating that it would help to pay a “processing fee” needed to claim the full prize.

Once recipients would deposit the check and pay the fee, they’d learn quickly that there was no prize to be had and that the check was invalid.

Webre said he wants all citizens to be cautious when sorting through mail.

The sheriff echoed his favorite line when dealing with situations like this: “If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”

“Our citizens are targeted by scam artists all year round, but the holiday season is when we typically see scammers become more active,” Webre said. “Regardless of the time of year, citizens should always be on guard. You don’t want to become the next victim.”

In another, similar scam, LPSO said it has received several reports from citizens who claim to have been called by the IRS.

In the call, victims are told that they are due late payment on back taxers.

Some victims even claim that the person on the other end of the line is threatening and claims to have law enforcement ready if payment is not made immediately on the debt.

Webre said any time a caller is asking for immediate payment without negotiation, it should be an automatic red flag.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office sent out a lengthy list of signs that could indicate that a scam is present:

-You are told to pay taxes, fees, or shipping charges for a larger sum of money or luxury prize.

-You are told to send payment immediately or suffer some consequence.

-You are told not to call any number other than the one provided.

-You are not familiar with the caller, the company name, or they refuse to tell you.

-You are contacted by an unknown caller, but the caller I.D. shows your information or that of a friend or relative.

-The caller asks for sensitive account or personal information.

-The caller is rude or uses offensive or vulgar language.”

Webre said if anyone is suspicious, they’re welcome to call LPSO or any local law enforcement agency.

Even if the call is legitimate, authorities can assist in the verification process to give peace of mind about any transactions that may be made.

“Thankfully, more and more people are recognizing the signs of scams, preventing themselves from being victimized,” Webre said. “We encourage you to speak with your entire family, especially any elderly relatives, and ensure that they recognize the signs of a scam. The bottom line is to use common sense and good practices such as never giving personal or financial information on an incoming call.”

Cantrelle said he, too, wants all people in Lafourche to be cautious.

He added that parish employees will work tirelessly with LPSO until these situations are completely eliminated from the parish.

Like Webre, he urged all people to call authorities if they received what they believe was a suspicious call.

“We urge citizens to always be vigilant in guarding their personal information,” Cantrelle said. “As the holiday season approaches, scams seem to increase and we urge people to be aware.”