Gift Card Scam Warning Issued By Stafford Sheriff

STAFFORD, VA—The Stafford County Sheriff's Office issued a warning Friday, April 12, about a phone scam involving individuals who pose as members of law enforcement in an attempt to steal money by asking victims for payment via gift cards.

In one case, according to the SCSO, a woman reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). She was told her social security number had been linked to a drug trafficking incident in Texas, and that she needed to put money into a "safe card" to protect herself.

The woman was told to buy $2,600 worth of gift cards and then provide the card information. She did as instructed and didn't realize it was a scam until the gift cards had been redeemed. Police urge residents who suspect they may have been scammed to call 540-658-4400.

Last month, the DEA issued its own warning about such scams:

The reported scam tactics are continually changing, but often share many of the following characteristics:

• Callers use fake names and badge numbers or, alternatively, names of well-known DEA senior officials.
• The tone of calls is urgent and aggressive; callers refuse to speak or leave a message with anyone other than the person for whom they are calling.
• Callers threaten arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment, and in the case of medical practitioners, revocation of their DEA numbers.
• Callers demand thousands of dollars via wire transfer or, in some instances, in the form of untraceable gift cards taken over the phone.
• Callers falsify the number on caller ID to appear as a legitimate DEA phone number.
• Callers will often ask for personal information, such as social security number or date of birth.
• When calling a medical practitioner, callers often reference National Provider Identifier numbers and/or state license numbers. They also might claim that patients are making accusations against the practitioner.

It’s important to underscore that DEA personnel will never contact practitioners or members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. DEA will not request any personal or sensitive information over the phone. Notification of a legitimate investigation or legal action is made via official letter or in person.

Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law.

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 using the online form or by calling 877-792-2873. Reporting scam calls will greatly assist DEA in investigating and stopping this criminal activity. Any urgent concerns or questions, including inquiring about legitimate investigations, should be directed to the local DEA field division.

To report scam activity online, visit the DEA Diversion on line reporting page.