DOJ Impersonators Prey on Seniors in San Diego Scam

SAN DIEGO, CA – The Justice Department is warning the public, particularly the elderly, about a surge in imposter scams orchestrated by criminals posing as DOJ investigators. Multiple reports have surfaced in recent weeks, revealing a sophisticated scheme designed to exploit vulnerable individuals and pilfer their personal information.

U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer Jr. (619) 557-5690 issued a statement today, urging citizens to remain vigilant. “We don’t want anyone – particularly our seniors – to be fooled by scammers posing as employees of the Department of Justice,” Brewer said. “Please protect yourself! Do not be fooled by scammers, and don’t give out your personal information to a random caller claiming to be a DOJ employee.” The scam operates by individuals falsely identifying themselves as DOJ employees and attempting to extract personal details from unsuspecting victims.

The scheme’s sophistication extends to a meticulously crafted phone menu mirroring the Department of Justice’s official system. Callers are directed to a recorded menu identical to the legitimate DOJ line, before being connected to an “operator” who then transfers them to a supposed “investigator.” This investigator then attempts to coerce the victim into divulging sensitive personal information. Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline highlight the brazen nature of the operation, and the specific targeting of older Americans.

Jessica Hart, Director of the Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), condemned the scams as particularly “heinous,” emphasizing the exploitation of a vulnerable population. “Phone scams are an ugly and pervasive act of victimization,” Hart stated. “The scammers do so posing as employees of the Justice Department, usurping public trust in the agency…while these scams exploit the elderly for financial gain.” OVC created the National Elder Fraud Hotline as a crucial resource for reporting such crimes.

Victims of these scams are strongly advised *not* to provide any personal information. Authorities are urging anyone who receives a suspicious call to report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). For law enforcement action, fraud can also be reported to the FBI at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud. The sooner financial losses are reported—within the first 2-3 days—the greater the chance of potential recovery.

The National Elder Fraud Hotline is available seven days a week. More information can be found at https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/. Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. The DOJ is reminding the public that legitimate government agencies will *never* demand personal information over the phone. Remember: if it feels wrong, it probably is.

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