US FDA warns public of extortion scam by agency impersonators

The US Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about a fraudulent scheme to extort money from consumers by callers who falsely identify themselves as "FDA special agents""or other types of FDA officials.

Several instances have been reported to the agency of calls enticing consumers to purchase discounted prescription drugs by wiring funds to one of several locations in the Dominican Republic. However, no medications are ever delivered. A subsequent call is received from a fraudulent FDA special agent informing the consumer that a fine of several thousand dollars is required to be sent to an address in the Dominican Republic to prevent incarceration or other legal action.

"Impersonating an FDA official is a violation of federal law," said Michael Chappell, the FDA's acting Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, adding that "the public should note that no FDA official will ever contact a consumer by phone demanding money or any other form of payment. FDA officials always present identification in person when conducting official business."