Scammers Posing as DEA, Police Warn

Ridgewood Police have received “several” reports of the “DEA Extortion Scam,” an international con targeting online prescription buyers, the department said in a release this week.

According to authorities, the culprits, posing as federal agents, inform victims by telephone that their prescription purchases were illegal, and that they must pay a “fine.” When the victims resist, cops say, they are threatened with a search of their home or arrest.

Usually the victim is instructed to pay the “fine” through a wire transfer, often to an overseas location.

The DEA warns that online prescription purchases are legal only under specific requirements, and should be done cautiosly to avoid compromising personal and credit card information.

Those receiving calls fitting the scam’s mold are urged to refuse payment and fill out an online reporting form for federal investigators.