Lake Charles, LA –
Sheriff Tony Mancuso is warning area residents of a scam that has recently surfaced in our area. Victims report receiving a phone call from a suspect who claims to be with Publisher’s Clearing House. They advise the victim they have won a new car, but need to pay the taxes on the car and instruct the victim to purchase gift cards to make the payment. The suspect’s number displays as a call coming from Jamaica. THIS IS A SCAM! Sheriff Mancuso wants to remind residents of a few tips to use to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
· Resist the pressure to make an immediate decision. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly
· Verify the information before sending any money
· Never send money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail.
If anyone believes they may have been victimized by these scammers, please contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 491-3605.