FDA Warning: Scam Victimizes Consumers Who Purchased Drugs Via Internet or Telephone

January 20, 2011 11:37 AM Topics: Internet pharmacy and Patient safety

FDA warns the public about a continued international extortion scam in which criminals contact victims by telephone, posing as FDA special agents in attempt to obtain money. Specifically, FDA reports that the criminals call the victims – who in most cases previously purchased drugs over the Internet or via telepharmacies – and identify themselves as FDA special agents or other law enforcement officials. The criminals attempt to extort money by claiming that the victims must pay fines for illegally purchasing drugs over the Internet or the telephone. Victims refusing to send money are often threatened with a search of their property, arrest, deportation, physical harm, and/or incarceration. Dara Corrigan, FDA associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, stresses that “FDA special agents and other law enforcement officials are not authorized to impose or collect criminal fines. Only a court can take such action.”

Arrests have been made, but FDA reports that the scheme is likely to continue. Anyone receiving a telephone call with content similar to that described may make a report to FDA by completing the “Report Suspected Criminal Activity” form on the FDA Web site. An FDA news release contains more information about the scam.