Statement by Secretary Johnson on Takedown of Multi-Million Dollar Call Center Fraud Scheme

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Today, the Department of Justice announced the indictment of 61 individuals involved in a multi-million dollar telemarketing fraud scheme. This is the result of an interagency effort led by ICE with the assistance of DOJ and Treasury, to takedown a major transnational criminal organization allegedly engaged in defrauding thousands of victims, stealing more than a total of $300 million. This scheme involved a network of call centers based in India where associates of the ring would call victims in the United States impersonating DHS, IRS, or other government officials, demanding payment in order to clear fictitious arrest warrants, orders of deportation, or unpaid income tax.

I commend the special agents from ICE Homeland Security Investigations for their tremendous work on this case over the past three years. This investigation was initiated by the HSI San Francisco and Sacramento’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Forces, with assistance from HSI offices across the country including Houston, Dallas and Chicago.

Today’s actions will not only bring justice to the perpetrators in this case, but also help raise awareness about the dangers of telemarketing fraud. If you or a loved one receive a suspicious phone call soliciting money in exchange for government services or benefits, please call law enforcement to report a suspected scam before making any kind of payments.

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