Victim Location 15218
Type of a scam Phishing
Two voice mails within one hour of each other. First part cuts off but rest says "notices from the law enforcement agency to suspend the Social Security number as there is criminal charges pressed under your social security number. Kindly give a call back immediately once you receive this message. You can reach me on my direct line number 443-403-7159.
Victim Location 55106
Total money lost $2,000
Type of a scam Tax Collection
I was contacted 6-10-16 by a woman(?) introducing herself as Agent Williams. She proceeded to tell me that she was a Federal Agent with the Federal Law Enforcement Agency and supplied me with her badge number. She said that my university (she actually gave me my university and grad. year) had filed several complaints due to the fact I had not paid taxes on my tuition. (the address she gave me was my parent’s home address). Since I had not responded with payment, I was going to be arrested. However, if I complied with the agent, the government would refund 90% of the money to me.
I asked to speak with my parents, but was told that if I hang up the phone for more than a few minutes, that means I am "not complying with the federal gov. and the warrant will be put through". She gave me the address of our local federal building where I would need to go to sign the papers she would fax over. But would not give me the name of the lawyer. When I checked the address, it was legitimate.
When I said I would go down to the courthouse right away and make payments, she said that they would not accept my credit card or check at the court house for this particular situation, instead I needed to participate in a Federal Electronic Exchange system. What this meant was I needed to go purchase iTunes gift cards, and give them the numbers off of the back.
It began with the down payment, then went to a warrant cancellation/lawyer fee…by this time the total was 1600. She said the matter was resolved, but went to speak to her supervisor. When she came back she said "I have made a mistake, in order to recieve the 90% refund, your total needs to be 2000" I refused saying I did not have the money, but she basically threatened/forced me for the next half hour.
Next thing I knew, I was out $2000.00, trying to get in touch with a lawyer, and trying to get my money back before I lost it all.
The scam artist was very good at using legal/technical lingo. I had no way of contacting any one else, or looking up the phone number. I have filed a police report, contacted Apple and the stores where I purchased the cards (in the hopes of getting my money back). My credit/debit card companies cannot do much since this is technically not a fraudulent activity, therefore they cannot cancel or withdraw any of the payments.