Scammers Impersonating DEA Agents, Targeting Ohioans

OHIO — Scammers are impersonating DEA agents to steal money and personal information from Ohioans.

There are a few, similar scams making the rounds in the Great Lakes region, the DEA said. First, a scammer will claim to be a DEA agent investigating narcotics found inside a car stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border. The scammer will say the car was rented in the target's name and their bank account has been compromised.

In some cases, the scammer will threaten to arrest the target. The scammer then says they need money, via gift card or wire transfer, to pay a "fine" related to the investigation. They may also say the money is needed to "reset" the compromised bank account.

“Our office receives three to five calls a month from people all over the country, often moments after they have gotten off the phone with these con artists,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “DEA personnel will never contact members of the public or medical practitioners by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment."

Some scammers have spoofed legitimate DEA phone numbers to further convince their target the call is legitimate. Scammers have also texted photos of what appears to be legitimate law enforcement credentials. The scammers frequently change their tactics, but they will always ask for money or personal information (like a social security number).

“DEA will never request personal or sensitive information over the phone, and will only notify people of a legitimate investigation or legal action in person or by official letter. In fact, no legitimate federal law enforcement officer will demand cash or gift cards from a member of the public," Martin said.

In some cases, scammers have used the names and information of well-known DEA officials or police officers from local departments.

Don't Get Scammed

The best deterrent for these scammers is awareness and caution, the DEA said. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the DEA, report the incident to the FBI online.

"The Federal Trade Commission provides recovery steps, shares information with more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies and takes reports at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For any victims who have given personally identifiable information like a social security number to the caller, can learn how to protect against identity theft at www.identitytheft.gov," the DEA said.