News Summary
Caddo Parish officials are alerting residents to a sharp increase in scams, with reports of fraudulent activities rising significantly. The Sheriff’s Office has noted a surge in scam-related calls, including impersonation schemes and fraudulent texts. In 2024, Americans reportedly lost $12.5 billion to scams, with Louisiana victims losing over $9.2 million. Community leaders urge vigilance and reporting of scams as they evolve, affecting both individuals and businesses alike.
Shreveport, Louisiana – Caddo Parish officials are warning residents and businesses about a significant rise in scams, following an increase in reported incidents. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office has noted an uptick in scam-related calls from the public, prompting officials to emphasize vigilance against various fraudulent activities. As the tactics used by scammers evolve, it becomes increasingly important for individuals to protect themselves and their resources.
In a recent report, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlighted that Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, an alarming 25% increase from the previous year. This surge in fraud has raised concerns among consumer protection advocates and law enforcement agencies. The heightened risk of scams especially among vulnerable populations has added to the urgency of warning citizens about potential threats.
One prevalent scam locally involves callers impersonating Caddo Parish deputies. These scammers falsely claim that an arrest warrant has been issued for missed jury duty and request payment to avoid legal consequences. Other common scams reported in the area include fraudulent texts notifying recipients of nonexistent toll violations, texts from individuals impersonating distressed grandchildren asking for money, and requests for payment via gift cards from spoofed phone numbers.
Several local residents have become victims of scams, illustrating the widespread nature of these fraudulent activities. For example, a resident named Robert Watt fell victim to a job scam while searching for opportunities at a non-existent Costco in Shreveport, raising questions about the safety of online job postings. Similarly, Debbie Howard reported losing a $100 deposit through Venmo when she attempted to purchase a hot tub on Facebook Marketplace. This experience was compounded by the influx of fraudulent texts she received, prompting payment for security services and missed toll fees.
The FTC also revealed that Louisiana saw over $9.2 million lost to scams during the fourth quarter of 2024. Among the victims, individuals aged 50-59 reported the highest losses, while those aged 19 and younger recorded the largest percentage of fraudulent incidents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive awareness across all age groups.
Local businesses have also been affected by scams, with one small company wiring $254,000 after falling prey to a fraudulent insurance bill. Instances of ID spoofing continue to be a popular tactic among scammers, who pose as legitimate authorities such as law enforcement or Social Security to coerce victims into paying fines or providing sensitive information.
Alongside these developments, individuals are being encouraged to report any scams they encounter. Victims like Robert Watt successfully disputed a $500 charge for a product he did not order, highlighting the importance of monitoring financial transactions proactively. Another local business owner, Rosy Bromell, narrowly avoided a scam when contacted by someone pretending to be from SWEPCO, demanding a hefty deposit. The company has reaffirmed that it does not request personal or financial information over the phone, serving as a reminder for consumers to remain skeptical of unsolicited calls.
Making matters more complicated, new scams such as “brushing” have emerged, where victims receive unsolicited packages containing QR codes. These links may lead to phishing sites, further jeopardizing personal data. Lonnie Cavalier from the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office noted the ongoing challenges in tracing scam funds, typically indicating that proceeds often exit the country, making recovery efforts difficult.
In light of this concerning trend, community leaders and law enforcement agencies are mobilizing to raise awareness about scams and provide resources to help safeguard residents. A weekly segment focused on business practices airs on KPXJ CW 21, designed to educate the public about avoiding scams and conducting better business. As the landscape of fraud continues to change, staying informed and alert remains paramount in protecting oneself against falling victim to these deceptive tactics.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Doing Better Business and Texting Phish Scams
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Multiple Scams in Louisiana
- Google Search: Scam Awareness
- KTBS: Shreveport Business Owner Warns of SWEPCO Scam
- Google Scholar: Fraud and Scam Reporting
- K945: Shreveport Man Harassed Over Monkey Breeding Scam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Online Scams
- Express News: USAA Bank Fraud Sentencing in Louisiana
- Google News: Scam Fraud Prevention
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
