DHS warns of phone scam

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General has issued a fraud alert about a phone scam involving callers impersonating DHS or other law enforcement officials.

In this two-part scam, individuals first connect with their victims through social media platforms and, after establishing an online friendship, ask for a small amount of money. The following day, the scammers call the victim by spoofing a DHS field office phone number to impersonate a DHS officer or other official and inform them that their money was used to fund a criminal or terrorist organization, then refer them to a “lawyer” who can help them. The victim then contacts the “lawyer” who instructs them to pay $1,000 or more as a retainer.

BAL Analysis: Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam may call the Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-800-323-8603 or file a complaint online at ww.oig.dhs.gov. The OIG is also encouraging anyone who receives this type of call to ask the callers for their phone number or email address and report it to the OIG.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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