WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Drug Enforcement Administration is urging its DEA-registered practitioners and members of the public to be cautious of telephone calls from criminals posing as DEA or other law enforcement personnel threatening arrest and prosecution for supposed violations of federal drug laws or involvement in drug-trafficking activities.
The DEA wants to remind the public that their personnel will never contact practitioners or members of the public to demand money or any other form of payment. They will also not request any personal or sensitive information over the phone.
A legitimate investigation or legal action would be made via letter or in person.
There's a number of similar characteristics that these scam callers have. They use fake names or names of well-known DEA senior officials. The tone of calls are urgent and aggressive and threatening. They demand thousands of dollars via wire transfer, will often ask for personal information.
Callers also often reference National Provider Identifier numbers and/or state license numbers. They also might claim that patients are making accusations against the practitioner.
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
