🚨🚔⚠️SBSO WARNS RESIDENTS ABOUT FAKE WEBSITES, SPOOFED PHONE NUMBERS
The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be cautious online after a victim recently encountered a fraudulent website made to look like Amazon, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
According to reports, the victim believed he was on Amazon’s legitimate site when scammers instructed him that he owed money and needed to pay it immediately.
During the encounter, the victim received a phone call from another individual using a spoofed Sheriff’s Office phone number that appeared as (504) 271-2501. The caller claimed to be a sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office and threatened that he would be arrested if he did not pay.
“Scammers are creating convincing fake websites and using technology to make their schemes appear legitimate,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “If you receive an alert or email claiming there’s an issue with your account, don’t click any links or random search results that pop up. Be cautious and make sure you go to the official website address.”
Sheriff Pohlmann said residents should always take time to verify before sharing information or sending money online.
“Our deputies will never call you and tell you you’ll go to jail over an Amazon bill,” the Sheriff said. “If you’re unsure, hang up and contact us.”
Key safety tips:
⚠️Be cautious when entering websites from search results or links – fake sites can closely mimic real ones.
⚠️Always verify you are on the correct website by typing the official address directly into your browser.
⚠️Do not click links in unexpected emails or messages that demand payment.
⚠️Do not provide personal or financial information to callers who pressure you to pay immediately.
⚠️Remember: A deputy or sheriff will never call and demand payment or threaten arrest over an online bill.
⚠️If you believe you were targeted or have given information, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement.
Sheriff Pohlmann asks residents who come across suspicious websites, emails, or phone calls to report them to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling (504) 271-2501. Deputies can help verify whether the communication is legitimate and provide guidance on what steps to take next.
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