Bossier Sheriff Warns: Bitcoin Kiosk Scam Targets Residents
Bossier Parish deputies are sounding the alarm about a new wave of phone scams that use fear, fake authority, and cryptocurrency kiosks to pressure people into handing over cash.
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers and convincing residents they have outstanding warrants. The pitch is simple and scary: pay right now, or go to jail.
The payment method is the giveaway. Victims are directed to Bitcoin kiosks or other cryptocurrency options, which makes the money nearly impossible to recover.
How the Scam is Playing Out
In a recent case described by the Bossier Sheriff’s Office, the victim received a call from someone claiming to be a deputy. The caller used a private number, gave a fake badge or ID number, and even referenced real Sheriff’s Office employees and locations to sound legitimate.
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The victim was told the warrant could be handled through immediate payment. The caller kept the person on the phone, warned them not to talk to anyone else, and directed them to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin kiosk. After the transaction, the caller disconnected and could not be reached again.
Sheriff Whittington: “Hang up immediately”
Sheriff Julian Whittington did not mince words.
“Let me be very clear, no deputy with the Bossier Sheriff’s Office will ever call or text someone demanding money, threatening arrest, or instructing them to use Bitcoin, kiosks, gift cards, or wire transfers,” Whittington said. “If you receive a call like this, it is a scam. Hang up immediately and contact us directly.”
Red Flags to Remember
The Sheriff’s Office says common warning signs include demands for immediate payment, threats of arrest, requests for Bitcoin or gift cards, instructions to stay on the phone, and calls from private or spoofed numbers.
They also stressed that real warrants and jury issues are handled in person through the courts, and law enforcement does not take payments by phone or accept cryptocurrency.
If you get a suspicious call claiming to be from Bossier Parish deputies, hang up and call the Sheriff’s Office directly at (318) 965-2203.