"Beware of Prescription Scams Targeting Healthcare Providers"

November 5, 2019

News

Healthcare providers and employers should be on alert for a series of emerging phone scams specifically targeting healthcare providers with prescription authority and pharmacists. These scams have been reported in Ohio and are expected to afflict providers in other states as well.

Scammers are calling prescribers and pharmacists stating that they are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and that their DEA registration is going to be revoked or that they will be arrested if they do not pay a fine immediately by phone or fax. A variation involves calls from individuals posing as agents of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy or the Ohio State Medical Board trying to obtain payments to resolve pending disciplinary matters.

These instances are being investigated by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, the Ohio State Medical Board and the DEA. These agencies want to reaffirm that if they are conducting an investigation and a provider is facing action against his or her license, they will issue an official notice of opportunity for a hearing via certified U.S. mail or by personal service. In no case will the Ohio Board of Pharmacy or the Ohio State Medical Board be calling providers to collect fines over the phone or by fax.

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"Beware of Prescription Scams Targeting Healthcare Providers"

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