OMAHA, Neb. – The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the public to be cautious of telephone calls by scammers posing as DEA employees attempting to defraud and extort victims.

The schemers call victims, spoofing DEA phone numbersand threatening arrest, prosecution and imprisonment for supposed violations of federal drug laws or involvement in drug-trafficking activities unless victims pay a “fine” over the phone, via wire transfer or through a gift card.

DEA personnel do not contact practitioners or members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. They will not request any personal or sensitive information over the phone.

Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law.

Anyone receiving this type of call from a person purporting to be with DEA should report that contact by calling 877-792-2873. DEA registrants can submit the information through “Extortion Scam Online Reporting,” posted on the DEA Diversion Control Division’s website, DEADiversion.usdoj.gov.