DOJ Impersonators Prey on Louisiana Seniors

SHREVEPORT, La. – A wave of brazen scams is hitting Louisiana, with criminals impersonating officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target vulnerable elderly citizens. The DOJ has confirmed multiple reports of these fraudulent calls, and Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook is urging the public to exercise extreme caution.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill robocalls. Scammers are meticulously crafting their deception, falsely identifying themselves as DOJ investigators or employees. They’re not just asking for information; they’re creating a disturbingly realistic illusion of legitimacy. Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline reveal a sophisticated operation: a voicemail with a return number that mimics the DOJ’s main phone menu, leading to an “operator” who connects victims to a supposed investigator. This investigator then attempts to extract personal information under the guise of an official inquiry.

“Phone scams are an ugly and pervasive act of victimization,” stated Jessica Hart, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime (“OVC”), which monitors reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline. “The scams being reported to our National Elder Fraud Hotline are especially heinous because they show the perpetrators are preying upon one of the most vulnerable segments of our society – the elderly. As if this were not despicable enough, the scammers do so posing as employees of the Justice Department, usurping public trust in the agency that serves as a bastion of fairness and lawfulness while these scams exploit the elderly for financial gain. The first step to identifying these criminals is to have their crimes reported.”

The audacity of these criminals is staggering. They’re not simply seeking money; they’re exploiting the trust placed in law enforcement. The DOJ is clear: do not provide any personal information during these calls. Any unsolicited request for personal data, regardless of how official it sounds, should be treated as a red flag. The OVC emphasizes the importance of swift reporting to maximize the chances of recovering any potential financial losses.

If you or a loved one receives one of these calls, immediately hang up. Do not engage with the caller. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website or by calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357). Law enforcement action can be initiated by reporting the fraud to the FBI at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud. Remember, reporting isn’t just about seeking justice; it’s about helping to dismantle this predatory scheme.

The National Elder Fraud Hotline, a resource created by the OVC, is available 7 days a week to report fraud against individuals age 60 or older. Quick reporting, especially within the first 2-3 days of a financial loss, significantly increases the likelihood of recovery. For more information, visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/. Don’t let these predators win. Protect yourself, protect your family, and report these crimes before another senior falls victim. # # #

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