Not only is buying controlled substances over the phone or online usually illegal, doing so could set unsuspecting folks up for a scam.
Beware of online drug 'fine' extortion
July 20, 2011 at 11:56PM
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, criminals posing as DEA agents or other law enforcement officers are hitting victims with an international extortion scheme.
Here is how it generally works:
The victims most likely have purchased some type of drugs over the Internet or by phone. The culprits call the victims claiming to be DEA agents or investigators from other agencies. They tell the victims that they've been buying controlled substances illegally and that unless they pay a fine, they will be arrested and charged with a crime.
According to the DEA, the faux investigators tell their victims to send their "fine" with a wire transfer to a designated location -- usually overseas.
If the victim refuses, the fake agents not only threaten to arrest them, but to come and search their property.
How do the scammers find their victims? Well, some of their targets bought their drugs online or over the telephone using a credit card. Often, the DEA says, that information has gotten into the wrong hands. As a result, the DEA says that some victims of this scam also reported that somebody used their credit cards without authorization.
No DEA agent will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment.
Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law, the DEA warns.
To report extortion scams, call: 1-877-792-2873.
James Walsh • 612-673-7428
