CROWLEY, La. (KLFY) – The sheriff of Acadia Parish is warning residents of a telephone scam targeting senior citizens.

Sheriff K.P. Gibson said the scammer claims they are from an attorney’s office and has funds for the victim.

Authorities say the reason for why the victim is receiving money changes with each call.

“It is our belief that the scammer tries to build a conversation with the person he calls. This is where he would obtain information to complete the scam” Gibson said.

One Acadia Parish resident was recently scammed out of $20,000. The victim was convinced they would be awarded a greater amount of money but they had to pay $20,000 in fees before the award money would be disbursed.