March 26th, 2026 Local News
Farmington, Mo. (KFMO) - Residents in the Farmington area are being warned after a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission employee allegedly convinced a victim to send money and personal information.
According to information released by authorities, the suspect contacted the victim while falsely claiming to be an employee with the Federal Trade Commission. In an effort to appear legitimate, the scammer reportedly sent the victim a photo ID and a driver’s license.
In one reported case, the suspect identified himself as “Officer Sammual Levine” with the Trade Commission and allegedly told the victim she would be arrested on a warrant if she did not follow what he called “protocol.”
Police say the victim was instructed to purchase $500 gift cards, scratch off the backs, and then provide the card numbers over the phone while also sending photos of the revealed information. The victim reportedly said the suspect was very persistent and intimidating throughout the interaction.
Before the scam was discovered, the victim had also been directed to send a photo ID and multiple gift cards worth $500 each.
Authorities are reminding the public that legitimate federal agencies do not demand payment through gift cards, nor do they threaten immediate arrest over the phone in order to collect money or personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission’s real responsibilities include consumer protection, competition advocacy, rulemaking and enforcement, consumer education, and economic research. Police say residents should be cautious any time someone claims to represent a government agency and asks for money, identification, or urgent action.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact the Farmington Police Department at 573-760-7111 or 573-431-3131, or contact your local law enforcement agency.