The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is issuing a public warning about a phone scam targeting medical professionals, with a current surge in attempts directed at those in the dental field. According to a release by the DCCA, scammers have been impersonating state officials and threatening investigations unless sensitive personal information is provided.
Reportedly, these con artists have been contacting dentists, asserting that an investigation into their licenses is underway, often using Caller ID spoofing techniques to enhance their masquerade as credible officials; reports of these scam calls have mirrored similar occurrences from the previous November. While dentists have been the primary targets as of late, other medical professionals, such as nurses and pharmacists, are also at risk, which could perhaps indicate a broader trend or a shift in focus for these nefarious schemes.
In reality, as the DCCA clarifies, state departments like the Department of Health and Human Services hold no authority in suspending or revoking licenses, nor can they begin investigations—these functions are solely within the purview of the 52 licensing boards, commissions, and programs associated with the Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) division of the DCCA. Moreover, the Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) within the DCCA handles investigations, but they conduct communication through official channels and do not request personal details over the phone or solicit wire transfers.
Professionals are urged to remain cautious when dealing with calls from purported state officials or associated with government agencies, remembering that such entities do not make calls involving the solicitation of money or the threat of arrest. This accentuates the importance of vigilance within the community of medical licensees. For any suspicions or to confirm the legitimacy of contact from the DCCA, dentists and other professionals are encouraged to reach out directly to their respective licensing body or PVL at the main line, which is 808-586-3000.
