Authorities in Plaquemines Parish are warning residents about phone scams after a Texas man was arrested in connection with a fraud investigation.
The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office said 25-year-old Christian Gauthier allegedly scammed a victim in Oakville, Louisiana, out of $3,600 in May of last year.
According to investigators, Gauthier contacted the victim by text message and phone, pretending to be a representative from a bank. During the conversation, he reportedly claimed he needed the victim’s account information in order to investigate a suspicious or fraudulent charge.
Believing the request was legitimate, the victim provided the requested information, which authorities say allowed Gauthier to steal thousands of dollars.
Detectives later traced the calls to Houston, Texas, where Gauthier was located and arrested. He was then transported to the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center to face charges related to the alleged scam.
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Gerald Turlich said scams like this have become increasingly common and urged residents to stay cautious.
He noted that fraud schemes occur daily and emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs before becoming a victim. Turlich also praised the work of deputies and detectives involved in the investigation and said authorities will continue pursuing scammers, even when they operate from other states.
Officials are reminding the public to never share personal or financial information over the phone, especially with callers claiming to represent a bank, law enforcement agency, or other institution.
Residents are also advised to avoid making payments over the phone unless they can independently verify the legitimacy of the request.
