The public is being warned by the Drug Enforcement Administration about criminals posing as DEA Special Agents or other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scheme.

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 tell the person 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.

Some victims who purchased their drugs using a credit card also reported fraudulent use of their credit cards.

Anyone receiving a telephone call from a person who says they are a DEA Special Agent or other law enforcement official seeking money should refuse the demand and report the threat using the online form found here. 

Please include all fields, including, most importantly, a call back number so that a DEA investigator can contact you for additional information.

Online reporting will assist the DEA in investigating and stopping this criminal activity.