Phony FDA agents assess fines for online drug purchases

Impostors claiming FDA "special agent" credentials are calling the customers of legitimate online and phone-in pharmacies, telling them that their purchases were illegal. They threaten law enforcement action unless the victims pay fines, which so far have run from $100 to $250,000. The extortionists direct the money be sent by wire transfer, usually to the Dominican Republic. Those refusing are threatened with a search of their property, arrest, deportation, physical harm and incarceration. FDA release