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Scammers now impersonating DEA agents

We’ve used this space on any number of previous occasions to warn readers that scams were afoot, everything from tax hustles to online flimflams.

As a result, Mining Journal newsroom personnel have adopted something near a “nothing surprises us anymore” attitude about such things — until a few days ago, when we learned that scammers were now impersonating cops on the telephone in an effort to part people from their money.

The police agency involved here is none other than the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the department charged with enforcing the nation’s drug laws.

According to a DEA press release, the caller will inform the target that their name was used to rent a vehicle which was stopped at the border and contained a large quantity of drugs.

The caller then has the target verify their Social Security number or tells the target their bank account has been compromised. In some cases, the caller threatens the target with arrest for the fictional drug seizure and instructs the person, over the phone, to send money via gift card or wire transfer to pay a “fine” or to assist with the investigation or with resetting the bank account.

There are apparently a number of variations on this basic, heinous theme.

Needless to say, legitimate police are not going to cold call anyone and demand cash or personal information over the phone. It just isn’t going to happen.

The press release notes the best deterrence against these bad actors is awareness and caution. Anyone receiving a call from a person claiming to be with DEA should report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

We couldn’t agree more. If you’re called, or know someone who is, contact the FBI immediately. And never give out personal information over the phone.

Be smart and don’t fall for this or any other scam.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette

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