FBI Richmond impersonators threatening residents, trying to extort them for money

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond-area resident received a letter from scammers who are impersonating FBI Richmond, trying to extort them for money.

FBI Richmond has issued a scam alert regarding a suspicious letter that a Richmond-area resident received the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 5.

Within the letter, the scammers claim the recipient's financial accounts have been frozen as part of a money laundering investigation.

The scammers threaten that, if the recipient does not respond within 48 hours, all of their assets will be seized and they will be arrested. They also say the recipient is to "maintain strict confidentiality," as this matter is "classified."

The scammers state that a $50,000 cash payment will resolve the issue. They say that this amount should be withdrawn in cash and that a "credentialed officer" will come to their home to pick up the funds.

The letter this person received, shown above, contains their personal information, though that has been hidden for their privacy. It also contains what the scammers claim is the contact information of FBI Richmond's Special Agent in Charge, Stephen Farina -- but the agency said this contact information is false, so it was also hidden from the letter to avoid confusion.

If you receive a letter like this one, do not do what it says. It is not a legitimate communication from FBI Richmond. The agency will never come to your home and ask you for money.

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"We commend the victim for reporting this to law enforcement immediately and encourage everyone to verify concerning notices like this with trusted sources," a FBI Richmond spokesperson said.

You should report any letters like this to FBI Richmond by calling 804-261-1044.