Sheriff warns residents of debt collection scam

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert warns residents to be wary of any phone calls in which the caller demands money or makes threats, especially in the wake of a recent debt collection scam.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint Friday of a scam involving the impersonation of a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, according to a sheriff's office news release. The victim received two phone calls. During the first call, a female, claiming to represent a debt collection agency, told the victim that she had an outstanding debt and that felony warrants would be issued if the debt was not paid, the release stated. The victim then received a second call from a male, who identified himself as a deputy with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, the release said.
The caller threatened to arrest the victim if the debt was not paid, the release said. The victim then provided credit card information to the first caller. Afterwards, the victim became suspicious and contacted the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office to report what occurred. In this case, a detective advised the victim to cancel the payment she made and cancel the credit card, the release said.
Hebert said that any call from someone claiming to be a member of law enforcement attempting to collect a debt is a scam. Also, residents should be aware that in some cases the caller’s phone number will appear on caller ID as a law enforcement agency when in fact it is not, the sheriff said. Residents should always be suspicious of any phone calls in which callers make threats or demand money. Do not be intimidated. Hang up and contact your local law enforcement agency directly to report the scam. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 337-828-1960 or 985-384-1622.