Language program scam targets Spanish speakers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The FBI is investigating a scam targeting Spanish speakers in the Valley.

A spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau says a man named "David" is calling people and offering a free Rosetta Stone English program. The caller claims all you have to do is pay for shipping. But then those customers get another call from a person identifying himself as an agent with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Investigators say the caller then tells the person they must pay $800 for the program or they will be arrested and deported.

"They are preying on people who culturally don't understand the way America works. They don't understand the way the American government works. They don't understand that the language program they are being offered is not going to bring them to citizenship," said Blair Looney with the Better Business Bureau.

The Better Business Bureau says those who want to buy the Rosetta Stone language learning software should go directly to the company or a local bookstore. Anyone who gets this type of call is asked to call their local police department.

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