I just got off the phone with this "Thomas Harrington". I assure you folks, this guy is spewing fraud. This is not the "REAL DEAL DEA". This guy needs to be stopped, period. Do not let him scare you. Do not give him a dime!! Let him know that you will be contacting local authorities and even the authorities in the 510 area code too. Shake him loose and block his calls.
I got a call from 510-295-4986 from someone stating they were agent Harrigan, badge # 8493611. He stated basically that I was about to be placed under arrest per court order for placing some online pharmacy order. He tried to make a case to pay a fee of $1980 but that I had to pay immediately or there would be an arrest warrant issued. I had no idea what he was talking about but there were many red flags that were screaming scam. He said repeatedly his time was precious but he wanted to stay on the line while I drove 40 minutes to some federal agency address. He also said I needed 2 forms of ID in order to make the payment and that my social security number (not card) would suffice.
This Harrington character called and threatened me as well. I told him that I was in fact a Police Officer and he hung up without delay. DEA has been informed and they are looking into this issue. I'm sure he won't enjoy the manner in which they make contact with him. They won't make a phone call, I assure you. LOL
DEA Warns Public of Extortion Scam by
DEA Special Agent Impersonators
The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public about criminals posing as DEA special agents or other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scheme.
The criminals call the victims (who in most cases previously purchased drugs over the lnternet or by telephone) and identify themselves as DEA agents or law enforcement officials from other agencies. The impersonators inform their victims that purchasing drugs over the lnternet or by telephone is illegal, and that enforcement action will be taken against them unless they pay a fine. In most cases, the impersonators instruct their victims to pay the "fine" via wire transfer to a designated location, usually overseas. If victims refuse to send money, the impersonators often threaten to arrest them or search their property. Some victims who purchased their drugs using a credit card also reported fraudulent use of their credit cards.
Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law. The public should be aware that no DEA agent will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment.
The DEA reminds the public to use caution when purchasing controlled substance pharmaceuticals by telephone or through the Internet. It is illegal to purchase controlled substance pharmaceuticals online or by telephone unless very stringent requirements are met. And, all pharmacies that dispense controlled substance pharmaceuticals by means of the lnternet must be registered with DEA. By ordering any pharmaceutical medications online or by telephone from unknown entities, members of the public risk receiving unsafe, counterfeit, and/or ineffective drugs from criminals who operate outside the law. In addition, personal and financial information could be compromised.
Anyone receiving a telephone call from a person purporting to be a DEA special agent or other law enforcement official seeking money should refuse the demand and report the threat.
Report Extortion Scam: 1-877-792-2873
Received one of these phone calls this morning stating their was a warrant out for my arrest. The agent claimed to be Thomas Harrigan, badge #8493611 from the DEA office. This is the second time I have been threatened by this person. After research this morning I realize this is a scam. Don't let anyone claiming he is from the DEA office, threaten you, or ask you for money. The official DEA office does not make phone calls to personal residences for these alledged crimes.