Sheriff Sid Gautreaux Warns Residents of Phone Scam

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports of a telephone scam in which residents receive a phone call from an individual claiming to be an EBRSO Deputy calling in reference to outstanding warrants. The caller then asks the resident to pay fees to avoid incarceration. Victims are then given instructions on obtaining a money gram to transfer funds.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office does not ask for credit card numbers, pre-paid debit card information, or other private information over the phone, if you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office or any other government agency, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux recommends the following:

• Do not give out any personal information to the caller.

• Do not give any form of payment over the phone, including pre-paid money cards.

• Advise the caller that you will be contacting local law enforcement to report the incident.

EBRSO does not initiate contact with citizens by telephone or email to request financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from EBRSO or any other agency, and you feel it is a scam, you should report the incident immediately at 389-5000. These types of scams have been reported in other parishes and are being investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.