Nurses in Texas, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), are being targeted by scammers using a new fraudulent scheme designed to extort money by instilling fear and confusion. These scammers contact nurses by phone, falsely claiming that the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has suspended their license due to controlled substance violations and demand money through non-recoverable methods, such as wire transfers. To make matters worse, they instruct the victims not to disclose the situation to anyone under threat of further legal action.
How the Scam Works
The scammers often begin by asking for a fax number, claiming they need to send official documents related to an investigation. The fraudulent documents typically include vague allegations and appear to come from legitimate agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and Department of Justice (DOJ). These documents may include:
- A graphic resembling the BON banner or an older BON logo
- The nurse’s National Provider Identifier (NPI) number
- The nurse’s license number
- Fake signatures from supposed officials
These scammers go to great lengths to make the documents look official, even using familiar agency names and logos to create an illusion of credibility.
Important Clarifications from the Board of Nursing
The BON has outlined several key points to help nurses identify scams and protect themselves:
- NPI numbers are never included in BON correspondence related to investigations.
- Faxed notifications are not used by the BON for investigations. Instead, official notifications are sent by certified mail to the nurse’s address of record.
- Requests for money to pause or halt an investigation are fraudulent. The BON does not require payment to delay disciplinary actions.
- Non-disclosure agreements preventing nurses from discussing an investigation are not used by the BON.
Scammers often rely on tactics of fear and isolation, warning victims not to report or discuss the case with anyone else. This manipulative strategy is intended to prevent the nurse from seeking help or verifying the scam.
Steps to Take if Targeted by Scammers
If you are a nurse who has received such correspondence or been contacted by someone making these claims, follow these steps immediately:
- Report the fraud attempt to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Visit OIG Fraud Reporting to submit a report.
- Contact the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) under the Texas Attorney General. More information on phone scams and how to file an online complaint can be found at Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
- Notify the Texas BON about the scam. Sharing these incidents helps the BON track and address ongoing fraud schemes targeting nurses.
Stay Vigilant
The BON routinely communicates with nurses through certified or regular mail and always includes the investigator’s name, email address, and direct phone number in any official investigation correspondence. Be skeptical of any communication that deviates from this standard, especially if it involves requests for money, secrecy, or faxed documents.
Nurses should remain alert, save any questionable correspondence, and report fraudulent activity as soon as possible. Staying informed about these scams is crucial in preventing further exploitation.
By raising awareness and taking swift action, nurses can protect themselves and their colleagues from falling victim to these deceitful schemes. Remember: when in doubt, verify the source and report suspicious activity.