THE D-E-A OFFICE IN EL PASO IS OUT WITH A SCAM ALERT. IT SAYS CALLERS POSING AS D-E-A AGENTS ARE CONTACTING VICTIMS AND DEMANDING MONEY, TELLING THEM THEY’LL FACE ARREST IF THEY REFUSE. THE VICTIMS ARE ACCUSED OF VIOLATING DRUG LAWS.
THE CALLERS CAN EVEN FALSELY ALTER THE NUMBER ON THE PHONE TO APPEAR TO BE FROM A D-E-A AGENT. THEY CAN ALSO USE THE NAME OF REAL AGENTS OR EVEN WELL-KNOWN D-E-A SENIOR OFFICIALS TO CREATE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE CALL IS LEGITIMATE .
THE D-E-A SAYS ANY NEW MEXICAN WHO GETS SUCH A CALL SHOULD REPORT IT TO AUTHORITIES. THE D-E-A SAYS IT NEVER REACHES OUT TO PEOPLE FOR ANY KIND OF PAYMENT.