The Better Business Bureau warns of a scam being perpetrated in Acadiana. It’s a pretty aggressive one. Scammers are impersonating government officials in an attempt to frighten potential victims into coughing up large amounts of cash.

They send letters that LOOK, official. It’s not difficult to copy seals and watermarks. The letter tells the potential victim they’re in violation of a federal statute and recommends they cooperate as a witness to avoid prosecution. The scammer informs the victim avoiding jail time will require substantial legal fees.

The letter is followed by a phone call, in which the scammer tries to intimidate the victim. Don’t fall for it. If you’re contacted, verify the correspondence. Don’t return phone calls from the number that called you. Go to the government agency’s website. Call the number listed there.

For more tips: https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam