A scam was reported, once again directing a transfer of funds. In this case the victim was contacted by a person claiming to be a representative of Amazon, reference a fraudulent purchase. The scammer then connected the victim to someone claiming to represent the Federal Trade Commission, who claimed the victim’s monies were being used to fund drug and human trafficking activities. The alleged FTC agent then sent a photo of their “credentials” and provided instructions for a wire transfer of the victim’s funds and a copy of their driver’s license to “secure the victim’s funds”. The “FTC Agent” then had someone call the victim, representing themselves as an official from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to verify the “FTC Agent’s” identity. Note the call came from actual Warren County Sheriff’s Office number (our number was “spoofed).
Fortunately, in this case, the victim cancelled the wire transfer before it was made.
No local, county, state, or federal agency will call you up and direct the transfer of funds. Never be intimidated by threats of warrants or arrest. If there is any doubt, contact your local law enforcement agency.
Below is a photo of the credentials sent, which notably identifies the person as an agent of the Social Security Administration, not the FTC.
***Courtesy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department***