FDA warns 'bogus' agents are scamming consumers

Officials warned Tuesday that scam artists are posing as agents with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to extort money from people who buy medications online.

These "bogus" government agents reportedly gather consumers' personal information and call them demanding fines. Many scammers tell victims that purchasing drugs online or via phone is illegal and threaten them with physical harm unless payment is made.

"The call is likely a scam if the so-called agent directs you to send the money by wire transfer to a designated location, usually overseas, and if you are warned not to call an attorney or the police," the FDA alert stated.

The agency noted that its personnel "are not authorized to impose or collect fines imposed for criminal acts." "Only a court can take such action," the FDA said.

Scam artists are increasingly savvy when it comes to making money with healthcare schemes.

In July, the Federal Trade Commission warned that some scammers were nabbing consumers' Social Security and credit card numbers by invoking the Affordable Care Act while posing as government agents on the phone.

In Tuesday's warning, the FDA cautioned people from buying medications online, saying the practice "could place your personal information in the hands of criminals." Illegal sites also peddle counterfeit drugs that can endanger consumers' health, the alert stated.

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