Scam Alert! Nurses Are The Newest Target

There are few moments that can compare to the startling, frustrating, and invasive realization that you have been the target of a scam. Over the years, scammers have grown increasingly sophisticated in their efforts and can get through to their victims in a myriad of ways, such as, hacking bank accounts, online purchases, store purchases, and even bogus telephone calls. Even with stringent security measures in place, it seems that scams are everywhere, and unfortunately, nurses are no exception!

As if 2020 didn’t already present enough challenges, nurses from all over the country started raising alarm bells with their state Board of Nursing, causing several states and the FBI to issue a scam alert. Nurses reported being called by an individual claiming to be with their license-issuing state Board of Nursing. The individual convincingly told nurses that their license was suspended and they were at risk of being arrested unless a payment was made immediately. Nurses also reported that an individual claiming to be with the FBI participated in these calls, which intensified the nature of the conversation. The intent of the call is aimed at scaring nurses into believing that they are under criminal investigation, and that they must pay a fee in order to keep their nursing license from being suspended.

What is cause for most concern, are the elaborate lengths that these scammers have gone to create a compelling situation. Their calls have come through from an official government phone number, or the phone number issued to the state Board of Nursing. They also have the nurse’s name and license information. In other cases, nurses have received convincing letters that look government official and list a state phone number as the contact to call about the issue. A nurse in Maine reported being called by two individuals who falsely identified themselves as representatives of the state Board of Nursing and the FBI and demanded payment by bond. A similar account occurred in Idaho when two men demanded payment of $17,500 in the form of a surety bond. Reports have been issued in several states, such as Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Minnesota, Ohio, and more.

Boards of Nursing are urging nurses that receive one of these fraudulent calls to terminate the call and confirm licensure status on nursys.com, or by contacting the board of nursing directly. Further, nurses are reminded to never give out personal information or payment over the phone. Don't fall victim to this scam!