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SBSO WARNS RESIDENTS OF ONGOING SCAMS
St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann is warning residents about ongoing phone and text scams that have been reported in our 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 they work for SBSO and asking you to call them back, at a (985) area code and give a reference number
➡️Contacting victims by mail, phone, text, or email claiming there is an issue with a bank account, returned checks, or unpaid funds.
➡️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 or tax bill 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’s Office 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 info 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.
Residents are encouraged to:
âś… Always verify the source before responding to unexpected financial notices
âś… Hang up and contact financial institutions directly using trusted phone numbers
âś…Talk with a trusted family member or friend if something feels suspicious
âś…Never share personal or banking information with someone who called you unsolicited
Residents who are unsure about a contact they’ve received or who would like to report suspicious activity are asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (504) 271-2501. Reporting concerns early can help prevent fraud and protect others in the community.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and help us continue “Keeping St. Bernard Safe.”
#SBSO
#KeepingStBernardSafe
