As if physicians didn’t have enough to worry about, apparently there is a scam being being run on California physicians. They are getting a call from someone claiming to be a DEA agent stating that the physician is under investigation. The caller requests a $25,000 bond, maybe to make the investigation go away.

Here is what the Medical Board of California says about it:

“Fake DEA Agents Extortion Scam
The Medical Board of California (Board) has learned that scam artists posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents or Board staff are calling California physicians as part of an extortion scheme. The scammers identify themselves as DEA agents or Board staff calling about ongoing investigations regarding their license issued by the Medical Board of California (Board). The scammers tell victims their license may be suspended for illegal drug trafficking and the suspension means they will not be able to practice. The scammers may provide an “Agreement for the Bond and Protocols” that includes statements that licensees are not to share or disclose the investigation to any third party and agree to a bond fee payment of $25,000.00. The scammers’ phone number may show up as the Board’s toll-free number (800) 633-2322.

No DEA agent or Board staff will ever contact physicians by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. If you receive a call such as the one described, refuse the demand for payment. Please also conisder the following:

If the caller is stating they are from the DEA, immediately report the threat using the DEA’s Extortion Scam Online Reporting form.
If the individual identifies themselves as a Board employee, please contact the Board at 1-800-633-2322 or send an email to webmaster@mbc.ca.gov.
If the phone number of the caller appears to be the Board’s toll-free number, it is recommended that you submit an online complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) using the FCC’s Consumer Complaint form or contact the Board so it can provide this information to the FCC.”

http://www.mbc.ca.gov/News/Fake_DEA_Agents.aspx

Don’t be fooled!

Rick Jaffe, Esq.
rickjaffeesquire@gmail.com