The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of an active scam in which
criminals impersonate law enforcement officers and pressure individuals into
sending money through Bitcoin kiosks or other cryptocurrency methods.
In a recent case, an individual received a phone call from a person falsely claiming
to be a deputy sheriff. The caller used a private phone number, provided a fake
badge or identification number, and referenced legitimate Sheriff’s Office
employees and locations in an effort to appear credible.
The victim was told that there were outstanding warrants for their arrest and
claimed the matter could be resolved through immediate payment. The caller
demanded compliance, instructed the individual to remain on the phone, and
warned against speaking to anyone else. The victim was then directed to withdraw
cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin kiosk. The victim complied out of fear of arrest
and suffered a significant financial loss.
After the transaction was completed, the caller disconnected and could not be
contacted again. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that this was a
“scam” and reminds the public that deputies will never demand payment over the
phone or through cryptocurrency.
Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington said, “Let me be very clear, no deputy with the
Bossier Sheriff’s Office will ever call or text someone demanding money,
threatening arrest, or instructing them to use Bitcoin, kiosks, gift cards, or wire
transfers. If you receive a call like this, it is a scam. Hang up immediately and
contact us directly.”
COMMON RED FLAGS OF THIS SCAM:
Calls claiming to be from law enforcement demanding immediate payment
Threats of arrest if instructions are not followed
Requests for payment through Bitcoin, kiosks, gift cards, or wire transfers
Instructions to stay on the phone and not speak with anyone else
Calls from private or spoofed phone numbers
Requests for personal or financial information
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Law enforcement does not collect fines, fees, or warrant payments by phone
Law enforcement does not accept cryptocurrency as payment
Warrants and Jury matters are handled “in person” through the courts
Anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from the Bossier Parish
Sheriff’s Office is urged to hang up and contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at
(318) 965-2203.
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