Calcaseiu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso is warning area residents of a scam that has recently resurfaced in the area.

Victims report receiving a phone call stating a warrant has been issued for their arrest due to their failure to appear for jury duty, grand jury, or court.  The caller, who may claim to be a deputy with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, instructs the victim to purchase a prepaid card to void the warrant and avoid arrest.  The caller also instructs the victim to meet them in person for payment.

Mancuso said the majority of the time a valid arrest warrant is served in person by law enforcement officials; however, in some circumstances a law enforcement official may call you if you have a warrant but under no circumstance will that officer ever ask for money or any form of payment.