DESOTO PARISH, La. – The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increasingly sophisticated scam in which criminals impersonate law enforcement officers, use legitimate arrest information and send official-looking payment instructions to convince victims to hand over money.
The warning follows a recent incident in which a family member of an individual who had been arrested was contacted almost immediately by someone falsely claiming to represent law enforcement. The caller reportedly knew specific details about the arrest and convinced the victim to pay more than $1,000 using a barcode sent through a text message.
Sheriff’s officials say the incident demonstrates how scammers are changing their methods to avoid traditional warning signs, making fraudulent calls more difficult to recognize.
Scammer Used Actual Arrest Details to Gain Victim’s Trust
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the scammer contacted a family member shortly after a legitimate arrest occurred.
Rather than relying on vague threats or fabricated information, the caller provided details that made the conversation appear credible.
The individual reportedly knew information about the inmate and referenced a deputy’s name and badge number.
The caller also used a local telephone number with a 318 area code and spoke with a Southern American accent, further contributing to the appearance that the call originated from someone familiar with the area.
Officials emphasized that these details should no longer be considered reliable indicators of legitimacy.
Scammers can manipulate caller identification information to make telephone numbers appear local and may obtain personal or law enforcement-related information to support their fraudulent claims.
Victim Paid More Than $1,000 Through Barcode Scheme
One of the most concerning aspects of the incident involved the payment method.
Instead of requesting gift cards, as many traditional scammers have done, the caller sent the victim a barcode through a text message.
The victim was then instructed to visit a participating retail store and load money onto the barcode.
The payment instructions included recognizable retail store logos and a sheriff’s star, creating the appearance that the transaction was authorized by law enforcement.
The individual ultimately paid more than $1,000.
The Sheriff’s Office shared examples of fraudulent materials that scammers have used, including documents resembling official court notices, law enforcement payment instructions and other government-related correspondence.
Some of the examples reference supposed court monitoring requirements, payment barcodes and legal orders designed to pressure recipients into complying.
Officials cautioned that the appearance of official seals, government terminology or recognizable business logos does not establish that a payment request is legitimate.
Traditional Scam Warning Signs Are Becoming Less Reliable
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that residents should not assume a caller is trustworthy simply because the person sounds local, knows personal details or provides information about an actual incident.
In its public service announcement, the department identified several tactics that made the recent scam particularly convincing:
Local telephone number: The caller used a 318 area code, demonstrating how scammers can disguise their numbers to appear local.
Familiar accent: The caller spoke with a Southern American accent rather than an accent commonly associated with overseas scam operations.
Accurate information: The scammer referenced a legitimate arrest and provided convincing details involving a deputy, badge number and inmate.
Unusual payment method: Rather than requesting gift cards, the caller directed the victim to use a barcode at a participating retail store.
Official-looking documents: Payment materials featured recognizable business logos and law enforcement imagery.
The department stressed that criminals are adapting their methods as the public becomes more familiar with traditional scams.
Sheriff’s Office Urges Residents to Hang Up and Verify
To protect themselves, residents are encouraged to independently verify any unexpected telephone call requesting money or personal information.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends hanging up and contacting the agency or business directly using a telephone number obtained from a trusted source.
Residents should never rely on a callback number supplied by a suspicious caller.
Officials also warn against allowing callers to pressure them into remaining on the telephone, keeping the conversation secret or making an immediate payment before the information can be verified.
A caller’s knowledge of personal information, an arrest or other legitimate circumstances does not prove that the individual represents a government agency.
DeSoto Sheriff App Provides Verified Contact Numbers
The Sheriff’s Office is also reminding residents that the DeSoto Sheriff App includes a feature designed to help the public verify contact information.
Under the app’s “Contact Us” section, users can select “Contact Numbers” to find verified telephone numbers for local government agencies.
The feature allows residents to contact agencies directly when they are uncertain whether a telephone call or payment request is legitimate.
The department also noted that its public information officer’s cellphone number is available in the app’s contact directory.
Residents who receive a suspicious call and are unsure whom to contact may call or text the public information officer for assistance.
Officials Encourage Residents to Share Warning
The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to discuss the scam with family members and others who could be targeted by similar schemes.
The recent incident demonstrates that scammers may use accurate information, familiar voices, local telephone numbers and convincing documents to manipulate victims.
Residents are urged to remain cautious whenever an unexpected caller demands payment, particularly when the request involves an arrest, court matter or alleged legal obligation.
The department emphasized that the most effective protection is independent verification before providing money or sensitive information.
“Scammers know what warning signs you’re looking for, and they’re constantly changing their methods to avoid them,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
The department concluded its warning with a reminder for residents:
“When someone calls with a story, HANG UP, VERIFY, and NEVER PAY until you’ve confirmed the information independently. A convincing story is not proof that a caller is legitimate.”