Physicians should be aware of an ongoing scam in which callers try to gain access to bank accounts by masquerading as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators.

The DEA warned about the scam last fall and renewed that warning in June. Callers identify themselves as DEA investigators – sometimes using the names of actual DEA agents – and claim to be pursuing an investigation of prescription drug misconduct. Eventually, the callers attempt to either extort money from the physician or dupe them into disclosing personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers.

Last week, Terre Haute TV station WTWO reported a Sullivan physician received a call from a scammer who came armed with personal information like her National Provider Identifier (NPI) number and Indiana license number, which are publicly available. After about 45 minutes, the caller asked for her bank account information, and the physician realized the call was fake.

The DEA emphasizes its agents notify individuals of investigations or legal actions only in person or via official letter, never by phone. The DEA also does not request payment or sensitive information via phone.

In July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) warned of a similar scam demanding medical records or payment of alleged Medicare debt.

The DEA urges physicians targeted by scammers to contact the FBI. Victims can also report such incidents to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).