DOJ Impersonators Prey on Texas Seniors

BEAUMONT, TX – A brazen new scam is hitting Texas, with con artists posing as officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to fleece vulnerable seniors out of their personal information. U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox issued a stark warning today, urging residents to be on high alert for these predatory tactics.

The scheme, detailed by the Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime, operates with unsettling sophistication. Scammers falsely claim to be DOJ investigators or employees, initiating contact via phone calls or leaving voicemails with a seemingly legitimate return number. That number leads to a recorded menu eerily mirroring the DOJ’s official phone system, further lulling victims into a false sense of security. Once connected, the caller is transferred to an “operator” who then connects them with an individual posing as an investigator. It’s at this point they begin fishing for personal details.

“The Department of Justice works tirelessly to hold criminals accountable and protect victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox. “Behavior that exploits the trust the public has in our government, preying on society’s most vulnerable, is simply abhorrent, and our office will investigate and prosecute these scams to the fullest extent of the law.” Cox emphasized a crucial point: “never share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls.” This isn’t a request; it’s a directive.

Authorities believe the elderly are being specifically targeted, likely due to their increased vulnerability and potential for financial stability. The speed at which these scammers operate is alarming. The Office for Victims of Crime highlights that reporting financial losses within the first 2-3 days dramatically increases the chances of recovering funds. Every second counts when dealing with these criminals.

If you or someone you know receives a suspicious call claiming to be from the DOJ, do not engage. Report the incident immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). For law enforcement action, report the fraud to the FBI at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud. Silence is not an option; reporting these crimes is vital.

The National Elder Fraud Hotline, established by the Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime, provides a dedicated resource for reporting fraud targeting individuals age 60 and older. Access more information and report incidents at https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/. Don’t become another statistic. Protect yourself, protect your loved ones, and report these criminals before they strike again.

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