| We are writing to alert you to a call scam targeted toward physicians claiming to be from the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency).
Last week, one of our physicians received a scam call while seeing patients in one of our outpatient locations. The team member’s written phone message was “Nicole Anderson from the DEA called regarding your medical license and that she could be reached at 571-416-xxxx.” When our physician called back, they were told their license was under investigation for prescribing large amounts of opioids. The person claiming to be from the DEA asked for additional information about the doctor’s prescribing habits, but they refused to answer and told the person to send them a letter. The physician then astutely reached out to administration for support. These are phishing scams. Do not provide any information over the phone. Below is an important link for you to review at your convenience specifically related to licensing fraud schemes. https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2021/03/03/dea-warning-scammers-impersonating-dea-agents-0 NJ Division of Consumer Affairs – State Board of Medical Examiners (njconsumeraffairs.gov) Please continue to have heightened awareness and concern about clicking on links in emails or with phone interactions where “authorities” are requesting personal information or payments. Forward suspicious emails to spam-alert@cooperhealth.edu or, if available, click the Spam reporting options in the desktop version of outlook. Please be aware that scam callers will likely try to intimidate you by telling you that you are the subject of an investigation and will demand immediate payment or release of your personal information to prevent revocation of your license. The DEA and the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs DO NOT contact licensees by telephone to discuss investigations or demand money. If you do receive a suspicious phone call, please do not give them any information. Additionally, please report the call by emailing Phil Curran at Curran-Philip@cooperhealth.edu Additionally, always reach out to your supervisor, administration or look online if you have any concerns.
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