Louisiana State Police warn residents to be aware of a telephone scam where a caller perpetrates a Louisiana State Police Investigator.
Troopers say the scam has targeted people in the Orleans and Jefferson parishes. An actual LSP investigation into the scam is underway.
An LSP report says, “In most cases, the scammer has “spoofed” or deliberately sent false information to change the display and phone number on the caller ID to reflect Louisiana State Police Troop B (504) 471- 2775. In some instances, the scammer would then advise the complainant they are under investigation for crimes such as prostitution or inform them that they have an outstanding warrant. The scammer then demands money or gift cards in lieu of arrest.”
State police say the phone calls are not real and is a scam to steal money from the victim. The LSP will never call a person to collect fines associated with a criminal proceeding.
Here are some tips if you should encounter this phone scam:
Ask questions in order to verify the caller’s identity.
- Do not give or verify personal information.
- Ask for a callback number.
- Independently verify and call the purported agency.
- Ask to speak to a supervisor.
- Spread the word to family and friends.
- If it does not sound legitimate, most likely it is not.
- Law enforcement will not call and demand money in lieu of prosecution
Anyone who may have been a victim of this scam can report it to the LSP online by clicking here then clicking ‘suspicious activity’ link on that website.
