The scams typically victimize individuals who have previously purchased drugs over the Internet or by phone, the agency said in a release.
The state division of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency is warning residents to be wary of criminals posing as drug enforcement agents over the phone in an attempt to extort money.
The scams typically victimize individuals who have previously purchased drugs over the Internet or by phone, the agency said in a release.
The impersonators tell the victims that this behavior is illegal and threaten enforcement actions such as arrests or property searches if the individuals do not comply with their demands, the agency said.
The victims are usually directed to pay a “fine” through a wire transfer, which typically sends the funds out of the country, the agency said.
The agency said in its release that its workers will never contact residents by phone to demand any type of payment.
Anyone who receives a call from a person purporting to be an agent seeking money should refuse and can report the call through the “Extortion Scam Alert” link on www.dea.gov, the agency said.
CONNECT WITH US:
On mobile or desktop:
• Like Times of Trenton on Facebook
• Follow @TimesofTrenton on Twitter