FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office has received two complaints about a phone scam.

In a prepared statement, SMPSO spokeswoman Traci Landry said the victims, who both have the 395 Bayou Vista/Patterson area prefix in their phone numbers, report the caller claimed to be with a hospital. 

The caller claimed the victims’ loved ones were in the hospital with injuries from a vehicular crash, Landry said. The caller went on to state the loved ones need money in order to be treated and/or released from the hospital, she said.

After receiving the calls, the victims checked on their family members and discovered the phone calls were scams, according to Landry.

In these types of scams, the callers attempt to prey on the victims’ emotions and fears, she said.

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office advised residents to never give personal information out to anyone over the phone. If someone believes a loved one is in danger, call 911 immediately. 

Also, talk with family members and friends about these dangers so they do not become victims.