Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office investigates scam emails sent to citizens, deputies
IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- The Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating a series of scam emails sent to citizens, including a IPSO deputy.
Katherine Breaux, public information officer for the sheriff's office, said the department started getting reports about the emails earlier this week.
Breaux said the emails are being used as a scare tactic to demand money.
"They use different methods whether its threatening to arrest them for outstanding warrant or to use personal information that they will scare you into sending compromising information," Breaux said.
One email was sent to an employee at the sheriff's office. In the email, the scammer attempted to scare the employee by showing personal information such as phone numbers and home addresses, before demanding payment of $2000.
Breaux said scammers will likely target elderly people who are not familiar with the internet or any other forms of communication.
"They use those scare tactics because they know they are not familiar with the internet or other forms of communication. Share this information with your parents, your elderly parents and friends, because that is who scammers target the most," Breaux said.
Breaux advises people to verify any suspicious emails before taking action. If you have received an email with a potential scam, you are asked to contact the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office.