Beware of DEA impersonation scam

PROVIDENCE CLINICAL NETWORK – We have been notified of a widespread fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in an attempt to extort money or steal personal identifiable information. 

There have been reports that the scammers often use accurate caller IDs appearing to be from the DEA, and may provide specific personal information such as professional license numbers and NPI numbers to appear credible. They create a sense of urgency by claiming involvement of other federal agencies like the FBI, and allege serious allegations like identity theft or unauthorized account openings.

Please be aware that DEA personnel, or any legitimate federal law enforcement officers, will never contact members of the public or medical practitioners to demand money or any other form of payment. They will also never request personal or sensitive information over the phone. Notifications of legitimate investigations or legal actions are only conveyed in person or through official letters.

Below are some guidelines to ensure your safety and the security of your personal information: 

• Never provide money, gift cards, bank account information, or personally identifiable information to unsolicited callers.
• Confirm the identity of any law enforcement officer by contacting the respective agency directly using official contact information.
• Report any suspicious calls claiming to be from the DEA to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
• Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to inform the Federal Trade Commission about the incident for further action.
• If you have already disclosed sensitive information, take immediate steps to protect against identity theft by visiting http://www.identitytheft.gov.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Stay safe and feel free to disseminate this information to your colleagues to prevent further incidents.