Online pharmacies are on the rise, and so is the number of people going to them to fill their prescriptions. Even with insurance, necessary medications can be very expensive. The economy being the way it is now, most of us don't have that kind of money anymore. Online pharmacies often fill your prescriptions at a far cheaper rate than your local Walgreens or CVS. They also usually don't require a prescription from your doctor. It sounds like a good deal, but most of these pharmacies are running against U.S. pharmacy laws. You're careful when you order your medications, but not too careful. You might not even know that these pharmacies are operating illegally.
And then you get the phone call. A DEA Agent is on the other line. He warns you that he knows you're buying prescriptions from illegal online pharmacies, and that you're going to jail. He knows all of your information, he knows which medications you ordered and he knows where you live. He might even show up at your doorstep. It's not uncommon. On the phone, he says he'll find you. But you have a choice, you can be arrested, or pay a fine.
It's almost a no-brainer. The fine is very hefty, but would you rather go to jail? You offer to pay willingly, seeing no other option. Then the DEA Agent asks you to wire the money to him via a money order. That's odd. Doesn't really seem like the way the DEA would handle money.
Probably because it's not. If you're in this situation, you've probably been scammed. It all seemed so real. How did they have your information? How did they know what your prescription was? The answer, unfortunately, isn't a pleasant one. They most likely run the online pharmacy you ordered from. They have your name, your address, your credit card or bank account number. They know your order. They call you, sounding cool and calm, and threaten you with imprisonment unless you pay them money. In some cases they'll even show up at your house with the same intimidating plan. But they aren't real. These online pharmacy extortion scams have been increasing and the real DEA has put out press releases and warnings against them.
Be careful when buying any medication online or over the telephone. It is a felony to impersonate a law official, and the DEA is out to get these criminals. DEA Agents will never contact you by phone or ask you for any sort of payment. Do not give these people your money. If you think you've been scammed, or you know someone who has, please contact the DEA Office of Diversion and report the scam at 1-877-792-2873.
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