Extortionists posing as FDA agents are targeting customers of online and over-the-phone pharmacies, demanding victims pay cash fines or else face law enforcement action, the FDA warned today.
The criminals call the victims -- who in most cases previously purchased drugs over the Internet or via "telepharmacies" -- and identify themselves as FDA special agents or other law enforcement officials. The criminals inform the victims that purchasing drugs over the Internet or the telephone is illegal, and that law enforcement action will be pursued unless a fine or fee ranging from $100 to $250,000 is paid.
The criminals always request the money be sent by wire transfer to a designated location, usually in the Dominican Republic. If victims refuse to send money, they are often threatened with a search of their property, arrest, deportation, physical harm and/or incarceration.
"Impersonating an FDA official is a violation of federal law," said Dara Corrigan, the FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “FDA special agents and other law enforcement officials are not authorized to impose or collect criminal fines. Only a court can take such action.”
Typically, these criminals use telephone numbers that change constantly and make it appear as though their calls originate in the United States.
The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations is pursuing multiple national and international criminal investigations. Arrests have been made and additional prosecutions are pending; however, the scheme is likely to continue.
The FDA encourages anyone who believes they have been a victim of this phone scam to contact the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations.
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