DEA warns public of extortion scam

The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public about criminals posing as DEA special agents, or other law enforcement personnel, as part of an international extortion scheme.

According to the DEA, criminals call the victims - who in most cases previously purchased drugs over the lnternet or by telephone - and identify themselves as DEA agents or law enforcement officials from other agencies.

The impersonators inform their victims that purchasing drugs over the lnternet or by telephone is illegal, and that enforcement action will be taken against them unless they pay a fine, reports the DEA.

In most cases, the impersonators instruct their victims to pay the "fine" via wire transfer to a designated location, usually overseas.

If victims refuse to send money, the impersonators often threaten to arrest them or search their property. Some victims who purchased their drugs using a credit card also reported fraudulent use of their credit cards.

The public should be aware that no DEA agent will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment, DEA stated.

DEA reminds the public to use caution when purchasing controlled substance pharmaceuticals by telephone or through the Internet.

Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law, and it is illegal to purchase controlled substance pharmaceuticals online or by telephone unless very stringent requirements are met. All pharmacies that dispense controlled substance pharmaceuticals by means of the lnternet must be registered with DEA.

The DEA cautions that by ordering any pharmaceutical medications online or by telephone from unknown entities, members of the public risk receiving unsafe, counterfeit, and/or ineffective drugs from criminals who operate outside the law. In addition, personal and financial information could be compromised.

Anyone receiving a telephone call from a person purporting to be a DEA special agent or other law enforcement official seeking money should refuse the demand and report the threat.

Report Extortion Scam: 1-877-792-2873