Scam Alert for Licensees

PAMED recently received reports that people pretending to be from one of the health-related boards are contacting licensees by phone about their license. The scammers are threatening license suspension for failure to act and falsely claiming involvement with federal agencies such as the DEA.  The scammers have the licensees license number and NPI number which are both public information and can be found on the internet. The scammers are known to aggressively threaten license suspension for failure to provide requested personal information.

On the Department of State website (link), the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) reminds licensees and applicants of the following:

• We will NOT contact you by phone to request credit card payment, wire transfer or a money order.
• We will NEVER request payment of fees, fines, or civil penalties to be paid using gift cards.
• We will NEVER request payment be wired or otherwise transferred to a foreign country. 
• Do NOT give your personal or financial information over the phone, text message or fax, including your zip code.
• BPOA will NOT threaten you.  The Department initiates disciplinary action through an administrative process.  If you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action, you will receive notice by certified mail and/or personal service.
• We WILL provide you with a contact name and phone number if you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action.
• CONTACT your local police department or the Pennsylvania State Police if you believe you have been the victim of a scam.

If you receive a call from a suspected scammer, please report it to the BPOA by calling 1-833-367-2762.