FDA warns of extortion scam targeting online prescription buyers

[steven johnson]

Telemarketers posed as an online pharmacy, called consumers and tempted them with low prices. Those who bought the drugs were later called by the fake federal agents. These fake FDA agents than extorted thousands of dollars from the gullible people.

Reporting from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - Extortionists posing as federal agents have taken as much as $31,000 from frightened people who thought they would be prosecuted for purchasing their medications from outside the country, federal regulators say.

The Food and Drug Administration has received 75 to 100 reports nationwide recently of people receiving calls from individuals claiming to be FDA special agents or law enforcement officials, the agency said this week. The targets were told that buying drugs online or over the phone was illegal and that if they did not immediately pay their "fine," they would be arrested, jailed or deported, the FDA said.

Several dozen people sent the money, usually through a wire service, to an address in the Dominican Republic, FDA spokesman Tom Gasparoli said. Most paid about $1,000 to $5,000, although some sent much more.

"People thought they just had been trying to save money by buying from online companies, and some of them really panicked," Gasparoli said. "They thought there would be an officer outside their door at any moment."



FDA warns of extortion scam targeting online prescription buyers

[Sherman A1]

1. When you get "cold calls" like this, it's a good time to be

on the "no call" list and simply ask the caller if they are aware that this number is on both the state & federal no call listings. (it's even good to say that if you don't happen to be on them).


Really puts a chill on the conversation when you tell them that you are noting the number, the time, date and will file complaints with the FCC & State Attorney General.