The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce today (Monday) heard from Guest Speaker District Attorney Trent Brignac discuss the growing problem of scams on local residents. Brignac shared highlights from a seminar held earlier this month sponsored by the City Police Department in which he, officials from the Attorney General Office and Secret Service were in attendance. He said most scam artists target primarily two groups of people: the elderly and victims of disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Also, many people who are taken advantage of are too embarrassed to report it.

   Brignac said there are two themes to remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scams are rarely solved so you need to take steps to prevent from being scammed. He urged residents not to give personal information to strangers on the internet or on the phone.

   Also speaking at the chamber meeting was Jewel, a regional representative of Congressman John Fleming. She will be in Ville Platte every month at the Ville Platte City Hall to assist local constituents with concerns or problems with a federal agency such as Social Security or the Veterans Administration.

   Chamber Executive Director Camille Fontenot reported that the chamber currently has 142 members. Two new members were approved for admission: Ville Platte Disabled American Veterans and the St. Landry/Evangeline United Way.

    Fontenot also urged members to volunteer to serve on committees to begin planning for the annual Chamber Banquet in the spring.