Oct 20, 2010
I really appreciate your post here as it confirmed my suspicions that I was being scammed yesterday.
They called me on the 18th as well, only my guy called himself "Peter Johnson." They have a pretty good story (police type radios in the background), and sounded pretty convincing. He told me that I'd be indicted by the Grand Jury next week, and Customs would be calling me, but if I was cooperative he could get me a "dismissal charge" with just a small fine. I told him repeatedly that I didn't know what he was talking about, and finally said I'd call him back. After a few freaked-out minutes, the little alarm in my head finally got my attention - "Peter Johnson"?? Might as well have been Dick Johnson.
If it helps you all any, this number is from Washington, DC. The penalty for impersonating a police officer to coerce an action from someone is up to 180 days in jail and a $1000 fine, District of Columbia Code 22-1406.