Vermilion Sheriff’s Office looking for woman who scammed local residents

Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon is warning people of a possible recent scam in Vermilion and possibly other parishes as well.
According to Sheriff Couvillon, a few complaints have been posted on Facebook describing what appears to be a scam, where a white female subject thought to be in her 60’s enters local businesses and begins to tell a sad story about her mother being very ill and/or on her death bed and how she left her home so suddenly that she forgot her purse, wallet and cell phone.
She proceeds to ask to use your cell phone to call for help because she needs money for fuel. She uses your cell phone to dial a number and says that she cannot get in touch with anyone for help.
She seems to be very distraught and asks for money to put fuel in her car because she needs to get to her dying mother in Texas, Houma, Gueydan or some other place.
If you are approached with this type scam, do not give any money.
Take a picture of this person with your cell phone and get a license plate number if possible (if safe) or a description of her car and call law enforcement.
“We do not believe this woman to be dangerous at this time, but according to the multiple incidents described by different people, she may have victimized many people so far.
“We have instructed and continue to urge all those who have been victimized by this scam to file a report with their law enforcement agency (police department or Sheriff) so this scam can be investigated properly with charges filed in order to hold this person accountable” says the Sheriff.