The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of yet another scam being perpetrated against citizens, thanks to Alexandria Police Department. This one AGAIN involves families of the inmate population.
According to the initial investigation, a family member of an inmate at the Rapides Parish Detention Center – 3 (DC-3) was contacted by someone representing themselves as a deputy. The person calling the family member advised they were calling from DC-3 and providing them a bond amount for a family member that has been booked in our jail. The alleged deputy then requested the family member to put the money in a DOGECOIN CRYPTO CURRENCY machine. This individual provided the address to DC-3 and told the family member that they can pick their loved one up after they have deposited the money in DOGECOIN CRYPTO machine. It appears that only people related to persons recently booked in the jail are being contacted.
Of course this is a SCAM. First, RPSO never calls people to solicit money for any kind of transaction. Real bondsmen must meet with the person they are receiving payment from as there is paperwork that must be signed. Also, the bondsman meets with the person being released to have them sign paperwork for them to appear in court.
The RPSO urges everyone to be very skeptical of ANYONE calling and attempting to get money, no matter what the reason. Communicate this information to family members and friends.