FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 22, 2015) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the general public about criminals posing as DEA- or other law enforcement - agents, who are part of an international money-laundering scheme that has come to the United States.
According to the DEA website, here is how the scheme works:
The criminals call the victims (who in most cases previously purchased drugs over the Internet 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 Internet or by telephone is illegal, and that enforcement action will be taken against them unless they pay a fine.
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.
"I did contact our local DEA representative," said Kevin Clarke, deputy director for the Directorate of Emergency Services. "And he advises that this scam is ongoing. I've also been contacted by people on post who received these types of calls."
Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law, and no DEA agent will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment, Clarke said.
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, Clarke said.
To report a threat, visit
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/pressreleases/extortion_scam.htm and click the 'extortion scam online reporting' link.
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