Bossier Parish Sheriff warns of SWEPCO utility scams

The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Department has issued an alert regarding a utility scam targeting residents in Bossier Parish. Scammers are impersonating employees from SWEPCO to demand immediate payment for allegedly delinquent electric bills.

In this scheme, callers create a sense of urgency by claiming that electrical service is scheduled for shutdown due to non-payment. The scammers then send a barcode to the victim's mobile phone, instructing them to take the barcode to Walmart to complete the payment.

Law enforcement advises citizens to hang up immediately if they receive such calls, avoid using the provided barcodes, and refrain from sharing bank or credit card information. Residents are encouraged to verify their account status directly with SWEPCO using trusted contact methods rather than any number provided by the caller.