The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Charles Guillory are reminding the public to be vigilant and aware of on-going scams this holiday season. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office received information from the public regarding a new scam using phony text messages being sent by scammers under the name of several local businesses including, ACE Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes. These scammers are sending text messages to various people telling their would-be victims that they've won different prizes to include power drills and other hardware items. Embedded within the text message is a link the receiver is supposed to click on in order to claim their prize. Sheriff Guillory and EPSO detectives conducted an inquiry into this scam after receiving information from the public which reveled none of the local businesses were sending text messages to the public regarding prize claims.  

"It's the holiday season, and scammers are stepping up their game because they know the public are on their mobile devices and computers spending money. That's why I want to make the public aware of these scams, not just in my parish but the entire Acadiana area. And if someone does receive a strange text message or email and they don't know where or who it came from, that contains a link you can click on, I would strongly advise against it. It needs to be deleted from the device, and/or reported to local law enforcement" commented Sheriff Guillory.

As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the Public to contact their Investigation Department via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency's website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org.  Any person/s reporting information will remain anonymous. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.