RAPIDES PARISH, La. (RPSO) – RPSO has said they have received several complaints over the last few days in reference to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) scam calls.

Currently, there is a high concentration of calls being placed in our area. More than likely, these criminals think citizens have access to tax refunds and are starting early.

These calls are from someone identifying himself as Agent Gonzales from the Spokane Field Office of the DEA. The phone number he gives to call back is actually the phone number of the Spokane Field Office, 509-353-2946.

He goes on to say that the intended victim has warrants for their arrest for international drug trafficking over the internet. This scammer even gets a “federal prosecutor” on the phone and they come to an agreement with the intended victim to “just pay the fine or we will send agents to arrest you.”

This is a scam. RPSO spoke to representatives from the DEA and they have told us this scam has been around for several years. It is called the extortion scam.

“Fortunately, no one has been a victim of this scam,” said Sheriff William Earl Hilton. “We want to remind our citizens to be vigilant and if they receive a phone call like this, just hang up, don’t call them back and block their number.”

Scammers are calling residents, mostly elderly, and identifying themselves as the IRS or Medicare. When they call, they attempt to get personal information from their victim. They attempt to scare the person with threats of law suits, warrants or arrest.

Please remember the following:

• Never give ANY personal information over the phone. Banks, credit cards and the government have your information. If they ask for verification, hang up.

• Law enforcement, local or federal, will never call you and threaten to arrest you and then give you a chance to pay a fine.

• Be very careful when purchasing pharmaceuticals online. Only purchase from a reputable company. You can call your insurance provider and they can guide you on this.

If you have been a victim of a scam, please call your local law enforcement agency. You may register for the Do Not Call list by registering with the Federal Trade Commission website at https://www.donotcall.gov/.