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SBSO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU TALKS ABOUT LATEST SCAMS

As scammers continue to change their tactics, knowing what to look for can help protect you and your loved ones, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

To help residents stay informed, Col. Chad Clark, commander of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau, and Assistant Commander Capt. Ryan Melerine recently spoke to members of the Old Arabi Neighborhood Association about the latest scams targeting the community during a meeting at the Maumus Center.

Col. Clark and Capt. Melerine discussed several common scams currently circulating in the area, including:

⚠️Fraudulent text messages claiming to be from state Departments of Motor Vehicles, threatening driver’s license suspension, vehicle registration cancellation or prosecution over unpaid fines or violations.
⚠️Calls or texts from people falsely claiming to be St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, often instructing victims to call a (985) phone number and provide a reference number.
⚠️Messages claiming you missed jury duty or have unpaid tolls, directing you to fraudulent websites to make payments and avoid arrest.
⚠️Calls, texts or emails claiming there is a problem with your bank account, a returned check, unpaid funds or another vague “legal matter” in an attempt to obtain personal or financial information.
⚠️Threats of immediate arrest unless payment is made using gift cards, wire transfers, cash apps or cryptocurrency.
⚠️Fake rental listings on TikTok and other social media platforms, where scammers advertise nonexistent properties and collect deposits through cash apps.

They also reminded residents that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone or request gift cards, wire transfers or other unconventional forms of payment, and they offered these tips to help residents protect themselves:

✅Verify unexpected financial or legal notices through official sources.
✅Never click links in unsolicited text messages or emails.
✅Never provide personal or banking information to unsolicited callers.
✅Talk with a trusted family member or friend if something doesn’t seem right.
✅Report suspicious activity as soon as possible.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call, text, email or online message or wishes to report possible fraud is encouraged to contact the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (504) 271-2501.☎️

Sheriff Pohlmann advises residents to stay informed, stay vigilant, and help us continue “Keeping St. Bernard Safe.”
#SBSO
#KeepingStBernardSafe





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