The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has received calls again reporting a person identifying themselves as an RPSO deputy, telling their intended victim they have a warrant threatening them with arrest and prosecution for the failing to appear as a material witness. They like using phrases like “material witness “ and “failure to appear” because the words and phrases sound official.
Fortunately, the would-be victims are smarter than the make-believe deputy, and no one has been a victim of the scam.
RPSO is concerned that with tax season in full swing, the scammers will step up their game.
Law enforcement agencies will NEVER attempt to collect ANY monies in this way. They will NEVER instruct the person to get a prepaid VISA or cryptocurrency.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of this “PPP Loan,” “Jury Duty Scam,” “Failure to Pay Fine,” or “Failure to Appear” scam, please contact local law enforcement agency and make a report. Reports can also be made to the Federal Trade Commission.