The US Food and Drug Administration are warning about a extortion scam by FDA Impersonators. Starting on December 29, 2009, the Administration warned the public about criminals who are posing as FDA special agents and other law enforcement personnel, as part of an extortion scam which is International.
In the cases the criminals will contact the victims by calling them, who have in majority of cases purchases drugs over the Internet or through telepharmacies. They then identify themselves as FDA special agents or other law enforcement officials, informing the victim that the purchase of drugs over the Internet or telephone is illegal, and that law enforcement action will be taken unless they pay a fine or fee ranging from $100 up to $250,000. Victims also often have fraudulent transactions made on their credit cards.
These criminals also request money to be sent by wire transfer to a location normally in the Dominican Republic. If the victims then refuse to send the money, they are often threatened with a search of their property, arrest, deportation, physical harm or incarceration.
Michael Chappell, who is the FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs says, “Impersonating an FDA official is a violation of federal law,” “The public should note that no FDA official will ever contact a consumer by phone demanding money or any other form of payment.”
It is to be noted that FDA special agents and other law enforcement officials are never authorized to impose or collect criminal fines. This is something only a court can do with fines payable to the US Treasury.
If you or anyone you may know, receives one of these calls from a person purporting to be an FDA or other law enforcement official. And who is requesting money to settle a law enforcement action relating to the illegal purchase of drugs over the Internet or telephone, should refuse, the request, and call the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office on (800) 521-5783 to report the crime and the request.
While posing as FDA officials, these criminals have also taken on posing as special agents of the DEA, FBI, US Secret Service, US Customs along with US and Dominican prosecutors and judges. Criminal charges are actively being pursued in response by the FDA in conjunction with numerous federal, state and local agencies.
The FDA is also reminding consumers to be wary and use caution when purchasing prescription drugs on the Internet or telephone, while also warning about the increased risk when purchasing or using unsafe or ineffective drugs from these drug websites which are operating outside the law.
There is always a risk that with these websites, your personal data could be at risk or compromised.
Always remember to ensure the safety of your personal details, and also that majority of these agencies and officials would not be calling you to warn you of a crime you have committed they would just be turning up to your door.
Just remember if it looks too good to be true it probably isn’t.