Schemes like this come in many forms. In recent years, physicians have been targeted by callers, emails, and letters claiming to come from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the state medical board, or other regulators. Typically, the “agent” claims the physician’s DEA registration or medical license is under investigation, has been suspended, or is linked to drug trafficking. The physician is then pressured to pay a “fine,” “bond,” or “settlement,” or to confirm a DEA number, NPI, Social Security number, or banking information. Scammers may fake caller ID, cite real-sounding case numbers, or send official-looking documents with agency seals. The DEA has repeatedly stated that it does not contact registrants by phone to demand money or threaten arrest.
The pitch changes from scam to scam, but the warning signs stay the same:
- Urgency or threats. There’s a short deadline or a threat of arrest, license action, or losing a large sum of money.
- You’re warned not to discuss the matter with anyone.
- Unusual payment methods. You’re asked to pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or another method you can’t trace.
- Requests for credentials. You’re asked for DEA, NPI, license, or financial information.
- One contact only. You’re told to deal only with the person who contacted you.
- Too good to be true. The message offers something unexpected, such as a windfall, bequest, or prize.
Protect yourself and your practice:
- Don’t reply, call back, or click on links or attachments in a suspicious message.
- Check any claim independently by calling the agency or organization at a number you look up yourself.
- Never pay money or share credentials because of an unsolicited demand.
- Report suspected fraud to the DEA (for impersonation of the DEA), the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, or local law enforcement.
- Train your front-desk and billing staff, who are often the first to receive these contacts.
