PICAYUNE —
A county resident was called by an alleged scammer posing as a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, probably looking for a quick payday.
While the possible scammer never got around to asking for money, county resident Linda Heck said she instantly knew something was wrong with the call.
Heck said the man calling posed as a DEA agent from the Dominican Republic, claiming she had purchased prescription medication from the Internet six years ago, and that she would be arrested within 10 minutes. She admits in the past she purchased sleeping medication off of the Internet using a prescription, but this caller was claiming she was potentially smuggling drugs into the United States.
“They said ‘you would be detained in a federal prison and you would need a federal attorney,’” Heck said.
Before the man could ask for money Heck said she hung up the phone on the scammer and called her daughter. After giving her daughter the number the man called from and using her mother’s phone Heck’s daughter was able to speak with the scammer. The man continued to state Heck and now her daughter would be arrested, but when her daughter began to ask pressing questions the man became defensive and threatened agents would be at the home in minutes to arrest them both, Heck said.
No one ever showed up to arrest either of them, Heck said.
Heck’s suspicions were right, an Internet search shows the DEA has put up a press release on its website that states such scams are becoming prevalent, especially if someone has purchased medication over the Internet or by telephone. Typically the scammers will ask for money via a wire transfer to avoid arrest, the release states.
The release states DEA agents never call the public to ask for money or any kind of payment, and that the public should avoid purchasing prescription medication from the Internet since most of the time that medication is being sold illegally. While there are some reputable sites that are registered with the DEA that sell medication, customers risk the potential of getting medication from the less than reputable web sites that is unsafe, counterfeit or medication that does not work, the release states. Also, personal and financial information is collected and could be used to conduct these scams or the customer could suffer from the fraudulent use of their credit cards.
The release asks anyone who receives such a call to report the scam to the DEA by calling 1-877-792-2873.
Local News
County resident called by scammer posing as DEA agent
- Local News
-
-
Supervisors hold hearing on road realignment
The Pearl River County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing after the regular meeting Monday morning to discuss the realignment of the southern portion of Richardson-Ozona Road and its intersection with U.S. Highway 11.
-
Buccaneer Bay Water Park is back in Hancock County
The Buccaneer Bay Water Park at Buccaneer State Park reopened on Thursday in Hancock County.
-
Two charged with grand larceny for stealing pick-up truck
A pick-up truck stolen in Picayune on Thursday was recovered on Saturday in Harrison County.
-
Pearl River Utility Authority makes emergency repairs to system
Circle Drive has been partially closed and detour routes set up so that the Pearl River Utility Authority can make emergency repairs to the failing 12 inch sewer line.
-
It’s been a good year for Pigott’s teams
It's been a pretty good season for baseball teams that Picayune's Justin Pigott used to play for.
-
House blaze determined to be arson
A Picayune residence fire that occurred on June 12 has been determined to be arson.
-
BLAST SITE
An elevator well exploded Thursday evening at QUIKRETE® cement and concrete plant, located at 130 Huey Stockstill Rd., due to a buildup of propane gas, according to Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department officials. Coast Electric technicians were actively working at the scene on Thursday and Friday, making repairs to damaged electrical equipment.
-
BLAST DEBRIS
Debris from the explosion could be seen near the edge of the property; it was cordoned off by police tape. Sheriff officials reported that only minor injuries were sustained due to the explosion. QUIKRETE® could not be reached for comment.
-
Local middle school student heading to rodeo nationals
Drew Howard is headed to Gallup, N.M., to compete in the girl’s breakaway and barrel racing events at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, which runs June 23-29.
-
Operation Breaking Dawn rounds up 17 suspects
The Picayune Police Department implemented “Operation Breaking Dawn” on Thursday and arrested 17 suspects wanted on charges of sale of a controlled substance and seized cash, cars and drugs.
- More Local News Headlines
-
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Obama: US Has Helped Syrian Rebels
Afghan Forces Take Afghanistan Security Lead
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
California Cops Cruise on Stand-up Paddle Patrol
Transgender Candidate Running in NYC
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA
Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants
Fla. Teen Catches Ride With Whale Shark
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Investigators Probe Origin of Colo. Wildfire
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
