Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Roger Powell Solution Center Scam

"Roger Powell" is a known alias associated with impersonation scams often targeting individuals via unsolicited phone calls or text messages. These scammers typically claim to be from a "Solution Center" or a government agency to trick victims into providing personal information or money.

How the Scam Works

Scammers using this name often employ various tactics to create a sense of urgency:

  • Prize Winnings: Claiming you have won a large sum of money or a luxury vehicle (like a Mercedes) but must pay "delivery fees" or "taxes" first.
  • Government Impersonation: Posing as officials from the Federal Reserve, IRS, or local law enforcement. They may threaten legal action or jail time for supposed "unpaid taxes" or "missed jury duty".
  • Debt Collection: Contacting you about a non-existent debt and pressuring for immediate payment via untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
  • Spoofed Numbers: Using software to make the call appear as if it is coming from a local or legitimate number (caller ID spoofing).

Warning Signs

  • Unsolicited Contact: Organizations like the Federal Reserve or IRS do not initiate contact with the general public via unsolicited emails, texts, or calls to demand money.
  • Urgency and Threats: Scammers use high-pressure tactics, such as threats of arrest, to stop you from thinking clearly.
  • Requests for Personal Info: Asking for your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card information over the phone.

What to Do

  1. Hang Up or Delete: Do not engage with the caller or click any links in suspicious messages.
  2. Verify Independently: If you think a call might be real, hang up and call the organization back using an official number from their verified website.
  3. Report the Scam: File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  4. Protect Your Accounts: If you have already shared information, contact your bank immediately to freeze your accounts and report potential identity theft.