The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public to beware of a telephone scam in which criminals pose as FDA agents.
According to the FDA, the criminals typically call people who have previously purchased drugs over the internet, and identify themselves as FDA special agents or other law enforcement officials. The caller tells the victim that such purchases are illegal and that he or she will take legal action unless the victim pays the caller a sum of money. The amount of this phony “fee” can range from $100 to $250,000. Some callers even threaten victims who refuse to send money with arrest, a search of their property, or incarceration.
Impersonation of an FDA agent is a violation of federal law.
More information on the scam and how to proceed if you have lost money because of it is available here.
