The U.S. Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports of individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice, calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam. The department strongly encourages consumers to remain vigilant and to not provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target seniors.
Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate that these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees. They attempt to obtain personal information from the recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an “operator” who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That “investigator” then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.
If you receive phone calls like these, please hang up and do not provide any information. If you believe you may have disclosed such information in what you suspect may be a fraudulent call, please contact us at 800.394.8769 so we can assist with protecting your accounts and your identity.
Please also report the scams to the FTC website or by calling 877.382.4357. Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline (833.372.8311) is a resource for people to report fraud against anyone they know who is age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2–3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovery. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
