July 3, 2024 - A fraud ring is targeting healthcare practitioners, using the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) phone number, email, and web URL. Scammers pose as Drug Enforcement Administration agents or Department of Health officials, threatening providers with regulatory or legal trouble, potential discipline, or loss of license.

These scammers use your personal information to exploit you for money or further fraudulent activities.

Recent cases include:

• Receiving official-looking letters with forged signatures from WMC and the U.S. Department of Justice
• Being called about alleged "over-prescribing of opioids"
• Being falsely told they are under investigation and their license is suspended
• Being warned not to check the official website, implying guilt if they do
• Receiving emails appearing to be from wmc.wa.gov

Legitimate regulatory agencies will never:

• Ask for money
• Demand a response in less than twenty days
• Advise against speaking with a lawyer
• Request personal details, passwords, or social security numbers

Protect yourself:

• Never click on suspicious links or download attachments
• Don’t be swayed by urgent demands; regulatory agencies provide ample time to respond
• Verify any suspicious contact by calling the WMC at (360) 236-2750
• Limit personal information shared online to prevent exploitation

If you suspect fraud:

• File a complaint with the State Attorney General or file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crimes Unit
• Contact your local police department immediately

Please help spread the word about this scam by sharing this information with your friends, family and colleagues.