The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting registered sex offenders in the parish.
The sheriff’s office said it has received numerous reports of callers using the phone number 337-231-8085 and claiming to represent the State Sex Offender Registry Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, the caller tells registered offenders they are noncompliant and must immediately pay $5,000 to avoid arrest on a warrant.
Authorities said the callers appear to be obtaining information about registered offenders online. The sheriff’s office emphasized that the calls are a scam and advised anyone who receives one not to provide personal information or send money electronically.
Recipients are urged to hang up immediately and block the number. The sheriff’s office said money sent to the scammers may not be recoverable.