The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to remain vigilant after receiving multiple reports of new scam attempts circulating throughout the community this week. These fraudulent schemes are designed to deceive victims into surrendering money or personal information and often use fear tactics or false authority to appear legitimate.

Here are the top scams reported this week:

1. Fake Amazon Account and Gift Card Scam

A local woman received a phone call from someone claiming to be with Amazon, informing her that a new account had been fraudulently opened in her name and charged with $1,500 in purchases. The caller then transferred her to another individual posing as a law enforcement officer, complete with a fake name, badge number, and case file.

The woman was told she must pay the $1,500 immediately using gift cards or face arrest and wage garnishment. She complied by purchasing $1,500 worth of Apple gift cards at Kroger. Fortunately, she recognized the scam before the cards could be used and stopped the transaction. However, the funds remain locked in the form of unusable Apple credit.

2. Inheritance Scam via Mail

A DeSoto Parish man received a suspicious letter with no return address, supposedly from “Canada Trust.” The letter, claiming to be from the Estate Management Department of TD Canada Trust Bank in Toronto, stated that the man was identified as a possible next of kin to a deceased customer who left behind a dormant $15 million account.

The letter referenced the name and death date of a real relative, making it appear legitimate. The man brought the letter to the Sheriff’s Office, where deputies confirmed it was a scam designed to exploit personal loss for financial fraud.

3. Text Message Toll and DMV Fee Scam

The Sheriff’s Office also reports receiving over 1,700 text messages this week regarding “unpaid tolls” and overdue DMV fees. These messages are a known phishing scam and should be deleted immediately.

Protect Yourself: Key Warnings from Authorities

Never pay any fine or fee with gift cards. No legitimate business or government agency accepts gift cards as payment.

Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, texts, or letters—especially those demanding urgent action or threatening arrest.

Verify the source. Hang up and contact the company or agency directly using verified contact information.

Consult someone you trust, especially if you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a request.

Call the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for assistance if you receive a suspicious message or phone call.
“These scams are becoming more personal and more convincing,” said Sheriff Jayson Richardson. “We share these reports so others can avoid falling victim. Education and awareness are our best defenses.”

For more information or to report a suspected scam, contact the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 872-3956.