Fake Arizona Medical Board agent extortion scam
Preface from Jim Whitfill, MD, HonorHealth Chief Transformation Officer:
We have seen an increase in the number of criminal elements masquerading as Arizona Medical Board and DEA agents. These impersonators have even gone as far to as ask physicians to meet one on one offsite. Please be cautious if you are being solicited by someone from either of these agencies. We would recommend that if you are contacted by anyone claiming to be from these agencies, you politely end the contact and contact the agency proactively by looking up their published phone number or email address/website to confirm if there is an issue that needs addressing.
The information below has been transcribed from an official release from the AMB: Fake AMB Agents Extortion Scam
The Arizona Medical Board (AMB) has been alerted to a new scam. The scam artists are targeting Arizona licensees and the calls will appear on the caller ID as if they are being made by the AMB (480) 551-2700.
The details of the purported calls vary but include allegations of large quantities of opioids or controlled drugs being found and connected to the provider.
The caller then pretends to offer to act as an intermediary for the provider and asks for personal identifying information and financial information. Ultimately, they ask for a transfer of funds.
No agent of the AMB or AMB staff will ever contact Arizona physicians or other licensees 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 consider 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 an AMB employee, please contact the Board at (480) 551-2700 or send an email to [email protected]
If the phone number of the caller appears to be the AMB’s number, it is recommended that you also 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.