According to the Medical Board of California, doctors are the target of an extortion scam involving suspects posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents or Board staff.
"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 scam artists then say they will not disclose the investigation to any third-party individuals in exchange for a "bond fee payment" of $25,000. To make it seem even more legitimate, the scammer's phone number appears as the Medical Board's toll-free number (800) 633-2322.
The Medical Board of California wants to remind physicians that neither the Board or the DEA would never "contact physicians by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment."
They say if anyone receives such a call, they should "immediately report the threat using the DEA's Extortion Scam Online Reporting form, by calling the Medical Board of California at 1-800-633-2322, sending an email to webmaster@mbc.ca.gov, or contacting the Federal Communications Commission.
