We have been made aware of a scam circulating that is targeting family members of inmates. Thus far we have received no reports of this happening in DeSoto Parish. Just in case it does, here is the scam that has been sent to us:

“Scammers may be using the inmate search feature from agencies to locate an inmate name. They then use public online/social media information to find that inmate, and identify family members of the inmate. Scammers are then contacting those family members falsely claiming that they can help in the release of loved ones for a fee, while claiming to be law enforcement, detention centers, lawyers, bondsmen, etc.”

Please know that the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office will never call, email, or text you regarding such a thing, or request payment/fee for an inmates immediate release. If you receive a call with a similar story, it is more than likely a SCAM. The details of stories the scammers use and the phone numbers they call from can and will change. If you ever receive a call from our agency and you are unsure whether it is legitimate, please hang up and call our agency directly at 318-872-3956 to verify before sharing any information or money with the caller.

NEVER accept or use any phone numbers or website links from any random calls or texts.