DOJ Imposter Scams Target Tennessee Elders

MEMPHIS, TN – The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has sounded the alarm on a new wave of phone scams targeting Tennessee’s elderly. Reports have flooded in to the National Elder Fraud Hotline, detailing individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice who are attempting to steal personal information from unsuspecting seniors.

These con artists falsify their identity as DOJ investigators or employees and try to extract sensitive data during these fraudulent calls. They also leave voicemails with a return number that routes users to a menu identical to that of the actual department, leading them to believe they are interacting with legitimate authorities. Once connected, they direct the victim to an ‘operator’ who claims to be an investigator, furthering the deception.

OVC Director Jessica Hart condemned this despicable act, stating, ‘Phone scams are a cruel form of victimization, but these targeting our elderly are particularly heinous. Scammers exploit their vulnerability while posing as employees of an agency dedicated to justice and fairness.’

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant vowed, ‘Our office will give full attention to those who prey on the elderly. We aim to arm our senior citizens with knowledge to protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes.’

Victims are advised not to disclose any personal information and to report such scams to the FTC at 877–FTC–HELP or through their website, or to the FBI for law enforcement action. The National Elder Fraud Hotline at https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/ is available seven days a week for information and assistance.

Reporting financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can significantly increase the chances of recovery. The hotline stands ready to assist anyone age 60 or older who has fallen victim to such crimes.

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