Written by Sarah Lim, CA Lic# 0M52397
BEWARE: EXTORTION SCAM BY FAKE DEA AGENTS
The Medical Board of California has recently become aware of scam artists posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents or Medical Board staff trying to extort physicians in California. These scammers play fake DEA agents or Board staff members as part of an extortion scheme stating that they are calling in regards to ongoing investigations regarding the physician’s license that was issued by the Medical Board of California. These physicians are told that their license is at risk of being suspended for illegal drug trafficking, and therefore, may end up having to stop practicing, at least temporarily. The scammers may even provide what is called an “Agreement for the Bond and Protocols” which includes statements that licensees cannot share or disclose the investigation to a third party as well as agree to pay a bond fee of $25,000. The scammers’ phone number may even show up as the Medical Board’s toll-free number (800) 633-2322.
Please note that DEA agents or Board staff members will NEVER contact any physician via telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. If you receive any calls like the one described above from someone posing as a DEA agent, DO NOT agree to any payment and report the threat using the DEA’s Extortion Scam Online Reporting Form (https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/esor/spring/main?execution=e1s1). If the scammer poses as a Board staff member, either call the Board directly at (800) 633-2322 or send an email to: webmaster@mbc.ca.gov. If the scammer calls from a number that shows as the Medical Board’s toll-free number, please submit an online complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) using the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Form (https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=39744).
