DEA: Scammers posing asagents, threaten arrest if money is not wired immediately
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is warning the public to be cautious of telephone calls from criminals posing as DEA agents or other law enforcement personnel.
The scammers allegedly threaten arrest and prosecution for violations of federal drug laws or involvement in drug-trafficking activities.
The callers identify themselves as DEA personnel and instruct victims to pay an “exorbitant” fine via wire transfer to avoid arrest, prosecution and imprisonment.
According to the DEA, the reported scam tactics are continually changing, but often share many of the following characteristics:
– Callers use fake names and badge numbers or, alternatively, names of well-known DEA senior officials.
– The tone of calls is urgent and aggressive; callers refuse to speak or leave a message with anyone other than the person for whom they are calling.
– Callers threaten arrest, prosecution and imprisonment, and in the case of medical practitioners, revocation of their DEA numbers.
– Callers demand thousands of dollars via wire transfer or, in some instances, in the form of untraceable gift cards taken over the phone.
– Callers falsify the number on caller ID to appear as a legitimate DEA phone number.
– Callers will often ask for personal information, such as social security number or date of birth.
– When calling a medical practitioner, callers often reference National Provider Identifies numbers and/or state license numbers. They also might claim that patients are making accusations against the practitioner.
The DEA says its personnel will never contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. The DEA will never request any personal or sensitive information over the phone.
Anyone receiving a telephone call from a person purporting to be a DEA special agent or other law enforcement official seeking money should report the threat by calling 877-792-2873.
You can also report the threat online by CLICKING HERE.
