St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann is warning residents about ongoing phone and text scams that have been reported in the area.
These scams, where victims receive calls or messages from individuals falsely claiming to be deputies with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office or other official agencies, are designed to steal your money and personal information, and could possibly lead to identity theft.
Common tactics include:
- Claiming you missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest.
- Stating you have unpaid tolls and directing you to a fraudulent website to make payment.
- Threatening arrest unless you pay a “bond” immediately using gift cards, wire transfers, or cash from an ATM.
- Claiming they need to speak to you about a “legal matter.”
Sheriff Pohlmann emphasizes that law enforcement will never ask for payment over the phone or demand unusual forms of payment like gift cards.
In an effort to avoid falling victim to these types of scams, the Sheriff offers the following tips to protect yourself:
- Don’t Trust Caller ID: Scammers can “spoof” phone numbers to make it look like a local or official number.
- Never Click Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages. These may lead to fake websites intended to steal your payment information or identity.
- Verify Through Official Channels: If you receive a suspicious message about tolls or legal issues, check directly with the agency’s official website or call them using a verified number.
- Know the Process: Arrest warrants are typically served in person by law enforcement. In rare cases where you may be contacted by phone, you will never be asked to make a payment to resolve a warrant.
If you believe you have been targeted or scammed, do not respond to the caller or text and email messages — hang up, delete the messages and report it.
You can also contact the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office directly at (504) 271-2501 to verify any claim or report suspicious activity.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and help us continue “Keeping St. Bernard Safe.”
