FBI warns healthcare professionals about fraud scheme

Editor's Note

The FBI on August 22 warned healthcare workers of ongoing fraud schemes where scammers impersonate law enforcement and government officials in an effort to extort money or steal personally identifiable information (PII), Healthcare Purchasing News August 24 reports. By researching a medical practice’s website or social media, scammers accumulate background information on their targets and use this information on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to appear legitimate.

Often, they use spoof authentic phone numbers, names and credentials of credible government and law enforcement agencies to notify the target that they were subpoenaed. The healthcare worker is told that because they did not appear in court, they are in violation of the subpoena, are being held in contempt, and an arrest warrant has been issued. The scammer uses scare tactics and urgency to demand immediate payment to avoid an arrest warrant.

Scam protection:

• Law enforcement authorities or government officials will never demand any form of payment or personal information by telephone. Any investigation will be done in person or through an official letter.
• Validate identity by asking for credentials.
• Prepaid cards or cryptocurrency ATM payment method is never requested by law enforcement or government officials.
• Never give PII to anyone without proper verification.

If you are involved:

• Cease contact with the scammer.
• Notify and safeguard any financial accounts.
• Contact the police.
• File an FBI IC3 complaint at ic3.gov.
• Keep any information collected from the interaction, including telephone, text, email communications.