According to a release by the Boynton Beach Police Department, the woman received a phone call from a man claiming to be a DEA agent named Tony Valentes. He told her that he had seized an illegal packet of prescription cancer treatment pills that she had ordered from the Dominican Republic and that federal marshals were headed toward her Boynton Beach home to make an arrest.
Of course, there was a way out: Wiring $2,500 to a judge in the Dominican Republic, who would then clear her case. The woman, who was not named in the release, wired the money via Western Union. Turned out that wasn't enough, and the agent asked her to wire another $3,500, which she did.
Having already spent $6,000 that would have otherwise paid for cancer medication, the woman eventually called Boynton Beach cops, who told her she'd been scammed.
This isn't the first time these scoundrels have pulled this stunt. On this internet messageboard, a poster claims to have received a call from the same DEA agent this past July.
If they're smart, the scammers will retire that name and use the same technique on another sick and desperate victim. From the police release:
Anyone with information about this scam is asked to call Boynton Beach Det. Michael Vail at 561-742-6159. If you believe that you may be a victim, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
