Lafayette Police Issue Warning About Scammers Impersonating Officers—Beware of This Name
The Lafayette Police Department has issued a warning to the public about a recent surge in scams involving individuals impersonating police officers.
These scammers are using aggressive tactics to intimidate and extort money from unsuspecting victims. It has come to the department's attention that these fraudulent callers are specifically targeting individuals in the medical profession, a major industry in the Lafayette area.
The scam begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be "Sgt. Jack Martin" from the Lafayette Police Department. The impersonator may falsely accuse the recipient of having an expert witness warrant or missed court dates, and will then demand immediate payment to resolve the supposed legal issues.
This isn't new, as scammers have done this at different police departments for years.
These scammers are persistent and will attempt to keep victims on the line until they obtain money from them.
The Lafayette Police Department wants to emphasize that they would never call and demand money for any reason, including missed court appearances or arrest warrants. Genuine law enforcement officers will not engage in such behavior or solicit funds over the phone.
"We want to assure the public that the Lafayette Police Department takes these fraudulent activities very seriously," stated Sgt. Robin Green of the Lafayette Police Department. "We are actively investigating these incidents and working to bring these scammers to justice."
To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, the Lafayette Police Department recommends the following precautions:
- Be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls, especially those involving financial demands or personal information.
- If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer and demanding money, be skeptical and do not engage in any conversation
- Hang up immediately if you suspect the caller is a scammer impersonating an officer.
- Do not disclose any personal or financial information over the phone.
- Report any suspicious calls or incidents to your local police department.
By raising awareness about these fraudulent activities, the Lafayette Police Department aims to prevent further victimization within the community. Remember, it is crucial to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from scams targeting innocent individuals.
For additional information or to report a scam, please contact the Lafayette Police Department.