Don’t Send Money: Bossier Sheriff Warns of Ankle Monitor Scam

I'm not sure if I'm alone with these feelings, but I'm nearing the point to where I'm scared to answer a phone call, respond to a text or even accept a DM from Facebook, due to the incredible number of scammers looking for a quick buck.

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Truth be told, I don't have a lot of money to begin with, but to part with it to some Nigerian prince is not how I've envisioned my "golden years."

And there are literally scams everywhere you turn these days. Just in the past 48 hours, there have been warnings nearly everywhere I've looked.

The Webster Parish Sheriff's Office is warning of another scam regarding phone callers claiming to be a deputy.

Another scam that's recently surfaced involves our beloved Mudbug Madness Festival and potential vendors for the festival.

Back in November, east Texas residents were warned of what's been titled the "Cash Dropping Scam", where one scammer observes or records a victim entering their PIN at a store checkout or ATM. Then another scammer drops cash nearby or approaches the victim, asking if they lost money. Then, while the victim is distracted, the first scammer quickly takes the debit card from the machine. The scammers then leave the scene and use the stolen card with the observed PIN for fraudulent purchases.

And now, the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office is warning of a scam that involves individuals posing as law enforcement officers, that review jail booking lists and then contact family members of arrested individuals. The scammers claim they can secure the release of the arrested person by collecting money for an ankle monitor or arranging for them to be picked up from jail for a fee. Those family members only learn that they were victimized when they arrive at the jail and told that the arrested person cannot be released.

Some great advice to remember from the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office:

• Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office Deputies will not contact anyone to negotiate terms of release of an arrested person.
• Do not send money or provide personal or financial information over the phone.
  If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and contact your local law enforcement agency to verify the information.