Scam Alert: Law Enforcement Agents Don't Call to Collect Fines From Using Online Pharmacies

Besides risking unsafe meds, you risk handing over your personal info to scammers who want to extort you

Purchasing medications online can be convenient, but it can also expose you to extortion scams. Fraudsters pose as FDA or other law enforcement agents, threaten legal action and demand payment for “illegal” purchases. Here’s how the scam works and what you can do to protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

Scammers call you claiming to be FDA special agents or other officials. They allege your online drug purchases are illegal and demand fines, from $100 up to $250,000—paid via wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency. They threaten arrest, deportation or even harm if you refuse.

Where They Get Your Info

Unscrupulous online pharmacies and phone‐order sites harvest personal data, names, addresses, phone numbers, SSNs, purchase histories, credit card details. That data is sold and traded on illicit lists, leading to targeted calls from overseas fraud rings.

Federal Officials Won’t Call to Collect Fines

No U.S. law enforcement or FDA agent will ever:

• Call and demand immediate payment
• Refuse to let you consult an attorney or call the police
• Require payment via gift cards, wire transfers or crypto
• Threaten physical harm or deportation over the phone

Payments for legitimate government fines are handled through courts and paid to the U.S. Treasury, never by phone.

Warning Signs of This Scam

• Unsolicited calls claiming to be from FDA, IRS or law enforcement
• High-pressure demands for payment or personal data
• Instructions to keep the call secret or threaten consequences
• Caller ID spoofing to show official or local numbers

How to Make the Calls Stop

Stopping these calls can be challenging:

• Don’t engage, hang up without responding
• Block the number; use built-in phone or carrier call-blocking features
• Register your number on the national Do Not Call list (donotcall.gov)
• Install reputable call-blocking apps (Hiya, Truecaller, Nomorobo)

Report the Scam

• FCC: File a complaint at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
• FTC: Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• NC Attorney General’s Office: File at ncdoj.gov/complaints or call 1-877-566-7226

Protect Yourself and Your Data

• Only buy medications from verified pharmacies (VIPPS seal, .pharmacy domain)
• Never share personal or financial details with unsolicited callers
• Monitor bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on email and banking

By staying vigilant, blocking unwanted calls and reporting fraud, you can avoid these extortion scams and keep your personal information safe.