Arctic Blast Scams Target Shreveport-Bossier During Extreme Cold 

As freezing temperatures grip Shreveport and Bossier City, scammers are taking advantage of the weather to target residents with fake messages tied to the “arctic blast.” 

The messages are not connected to a real company or utility provider. Instead, they use cold weather concerns as a way to create urgency, hoping people will act quickly without verifying the source. 

These scams tend to spike during severe weather events, when people are already worried about power outages, frozen pipes, and heating costs. 

What the Messages Look Like 

Residents report receiving text messages claiming to be alerts about weather-related issues, missed deliveries, utility interruptions, or account problems caused by extreme cold. Some messages include links, while others ask the recipient to reply to confirm information. 

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The wording often sounds official and time-sensitive, warning that action is required immediately to avoid service disruption or additional charges. 

Once a link is clicked, victims may be taken to a fake website designed to look legitimate. From there, scammers attempt to collect personal or financial information. 

Why Cold Weather Creates Opportunity for Scammers 

Scammers frequently tie their messages to real events already happening in the community. During an arctic blast, people expect emergency alerts and service notifications, which lowers suspicion. 

Mid-sized areas like Shreveport-Bossier are especially attractive targets because scammers assume fewer people will question messages that appear locally relevant. 

Authorities stress that these messages can come from anywhere. Many are sent through automated systems that blast thousands of phones at once. 

How to Protect Yourself 

If you receive a text referencing an arctic blast that asks for personal information, do not click any links and do not respond. Delete the message immediately. 

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If the message claims to come from a utility or business, contact that organization directly using a phone number or website you trust, not the one provided in the message. 

Anyone who believes they may have shared information should monitor their accounts and report the incident to their wireless provider and the Federal Trade Commission. 

Staying Alert This Winter 

Officials remind residents that legitimate agencies rarely request sensitive information by text message. Slowing down and double-checking unexpected alerts can prevent costly mistakes, especially during severe weather.