Another round of fraudulent DOT letters are being distributed, mostly via fax. The letters are dated March 12, 2013, and are signed under the fictitious name Julie Weynel- Senior Procurement Officer, who is NOT an employee of of the DOT.
| The fraudulent letters appear to be a part of a recurring identity theft scheme. The letters ask recipients to provide bank account information on an “Authorization to Release Financial Information” form. The letters are typically signed by someone claiming to be a “Senior Procurement Officer” at the DOT. The letters also appear on fraudulent U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) letterhead containing a Washington, D.C. address. |
DOT says it does NOT request financial information from prospective contractors.
Letters from the DOT will always be accompanied with detailed contact information.
Similar versions of this letter have been sent to contractors purporting to be from Equifax or other credit reporting agencies.
If you’re concerned about the legitimacy of a letter you’ve received, you’re encouraged to call the Office of the Senior Procurement Executive at 202-366-4263.
If you would like to report a fraudulent request for information to DOT, please contact the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline here, or by calling (800) 424–9071. The OIG may also provide your information to the U.S. Secret Service office in DC.
If you have already responded to such a request, please notify your financial institution immediately and contact the OIG Hotline and your local law enforcement agency. We also encourage you to contact your local law enforcement agency and your regional U.S. Secret Service office.