LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- Law enforcement agencies across Acadiana are being impersonated by scammers trying to seal people's money.

They call people pretending to be a law enforcement agency and urge them to send money to resolve an issue. Then, they threaten to arrest you if you don't comply.

Chris Babin, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana said the threats are meant to scare people into acting immediately.

"They say there's already an existing warrant, and they need a payment over the phone in order to get rid of that," Babin said. "In some of the other situations we've seen, they actually tell them that their information has come up in a criminal investigation, that they may be associated with a crime and that they need to provide certain information."

The call usually comes from what appears to be the real agency's phone number. Scammers mask their phone number, so the law enforcement agency's number is what shows up on the caller ID.

Babin said this scam is not new, but their tactics are.

"People have become a lot more savvy, not necessarily believing these types of phone calls," Babin said. "So, some of the reports we've gotten, scammers are taking it a step further, and they're offering to send you a picture of their credentials or anything that they can try to do to convince you that they are real."

The photos are AI-generated or photoshopped to make it look like they work for the agency they claim to be a part of.

Here's how to avoid law enforcement impersonation scams:

• Never give in to pressure. Scammers often use a sense of urgency and threats to scare you, but don't take action. Call the law enforcement agency directly if you suspect the call is real.
• Never send money to strangers. Scammers will ask you to wire funds or buy prepaid gift cards to pay the required "fines." You won't be able to get that money back.
• Guard your personal information carefully. Don't share your address, social security number, or bank account information.
• Don't answer messages from strangers. Block anyone who sends unsolicited calls or text messages.

Latest News