Jul 11, 2013
Just got a call from a man claiming to be Federal Special DEA Agent Thomas Harrigan ID# T0701 from phone number 202-241-0566 ext. 248. This man told me that I was being charged for purchasing prescription weight loss pills online and a warrant was issued for my arrest. He informed me that I should get a pen a paper to take down this very important information. He then proceeded to tell me that he could possibly get me on a "Defendant Release Program" which would mean that I would not be charged but I would then be an official informant for the federal government. He asked me if I could afford a federal attorney, I told him no. I also told him I had NO idea what he was talking about, that I have NEVER ordered prescription medication online, and that I was completely confused! He asked me if I had weight problems, if I had ever taken weight loss medication, and basically accused me of this crazy made up story.
Thankfully, I am a little smarter than he, and did my research as he was talking away and spewing all his BS. I found the extortion information on the DEA's official web page as well as all these complaints. At that point, I let the man continue on, he told me I had a clean record, not even a traffic violation and that maybe they could work with me. He then told me that he could call the prosecutor and ask her if she would be willing to extend a waiver for me to be part of the defendant release program and put me on hold. A few minutes later he came back and said he was able to get a hold of the court house and they are willing to let me pay a small fine of $1500. At this point I just couldn't contain myself anymore. I was angry and found it funny at the same time (only because I was about to call him out). He asked if I was willing to pay the fine and I told him I had no idea and he then said he needed to know so he could call the prosecutor back to get confirmation of approval and that he would call me back in a few minutes with wiring instructions. I told him to call me back on a different number, told him to get his pen a paper ready to write it down and I gave him the number from the DEA's web site for this extortion scam: 877-792-2873. The man new the number and said this is the investigation number, and I replied "why yes it is! And I am on to your little extortion scam!" He says, you're going to be in big trouble, and hung up on me.
I CANNOT believe how these scammers prey on the people looking to scam them out of their money by scarring them into thinking the police are about to come beat down their door and haul them off to prison! I am honestly just in amazement of how cruel someone can be to actually attempt to do something like this. I've read several of these complaints, some people have actually admitted to sending these jerks money!! Who knows how many others are out there that haven't openly admitted this??!! I hope this post helps someone else before they are taken advantage of. Please refer to this link on the DEA's web page for more information and DO NOT give these jokers a dime or waste your time even talking to them.
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/pressreleases/extortion_scam.htm
Press Releases
ALERT - EXTORTION SCAM - ALERT
DEA Warns Public of Extortion Scam by
DEA Special Agent Impersonators
The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public 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 lnternet or by telephone) and identify themselves as DEA agents or law enforcement officials from other agencies. The impersonators inform their victims that purchasing drugs over the lnternet 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.
Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law. The public should be aware that no DEA agent will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment.
The DEA reminds the public to use caution when purchasing controlled substance pharmaceuticals by telephone or through the Internet. It is illegal to purchase controlled substance pharmaceuticals online or by telephone unless very stringent requirements are met. And, all pharmacies that dispense controlled substance pharmaceuticals by means of the lnternet must be registered with DEA. By ordering any pharmaceutical medications online or by telephone from unknown entities, members of the public risk receiving unsafe, counterfeit, and/or ineffective drugs from criminals who operate outside the law. In addition, personal and financial information could be compromised.
Anyone receiving a telephone call from a person purporting to be a DEA special agent or other law enforcement official seeking money should refuse the demand and report the threat.
Report Extortion Scam: 1-877-792-2873