Impersonators use intimidation tactics to prey on vulnerable workers
Health care professionals are being targeted by a new and alarming scam that involves impersonators threatening to revoke licenses, according to the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. The scammers have been using sophisticated tactics to make their fake calls and messages appear legitimate, leaving victims vulnerable to fraud and financial loss.
The scam, which has recently gained attention, involves a caller pretending to be a division official. Scammers may even use phone numbers that appear to be linked to the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, making it even more difficult for health care workers to discern the fraud from legitimate communications. The callers are well-versed in professional licensing issues, which allows them to sound credible as they intimidate their targets.
The Scam in Action: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
According to reports, the scammers often pose as high-ranking officials, such as “chief investigation officers,” and claim that the victim’s professional license has been temporarily suspended due to an FBI investigation into illicit activities, such as drug trafficking. One victim recalled receiving a call where the “official” demanded the victim’s immediate cooperation and threatened that they would lose their license if they didn’t comply.
The scammer then instructed the victim to visit a nearby UPS store to receive more details via fax, further intensifying the feeling of urgency and importance. While this may sound plausible, it was, in fact, an elaborate scam designed to scare the victim into handing over sensitive personal information or paying money to avoid the supposed investigation.
The scammers also insist on keeping the victim on the line for the entire conversation, a tactic commonly used to prevent them from realizing it’s a scam. These high-pressure tactics are meant to overwhelm the victim, making them feel they have no choice but to comply.
Warning Signs and Red Flags
The Division of Professional Licensing has strongly warned professionals that any communication involving immediate threats—such as license suspension or arrest—should raise alarm bells. Government agencies, especially those involved in licensing, usually notify professionals of any disciplinary action in advance, and they don’t use high-pressure phone calls or emails to communicate these issues.
If the caller insists on keeping the conversation going or pressures the victim for urgent action, this is another clear sign of a scam. Legitimate officials will provide the time and space for professionals to respond at their own pace. Immediate threats or demands for money should always be considered suspicious.
How to Protect Yourself and Your License
If you receive a similar call, email, or message, the Utah Division of Professional Licensing urges health care professionals to avoid engaging with the scammers. Do not provide any personal information, payment, or other details. Instead, verify the legitimacy of the communication by directly contacting the division through their official phone number at 801-530-6628 or by emailing them at doploutreach@utah.gov.
It’s also important to be aware that while this scam is primarily targeting health care professionals, similar impersonation schemes have been reported across other industries as well. The scammers may send authentic-looking letters or use social media platforms to reach potential victims, further complicating the detection of their fraudulent efforts.
By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious interactions, health care workers can protect themselves and their licenses from these dangerous scams.
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