(Note: The original version of this story appeared in WVU Medicine Connect at this link. Login is required to view.)
WVU Medicine Legal Services has been made aware of a scam targeting healthcare providers in which individuals falsely claim to be representatives of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or other law enforcement agencies.
Details of the scam:
- The callers request to speak directly with a specific provider.
- They claim that narcotics or physician information has been found in a vehicle under investigation.
- The callers are aggressive, intimidating, and threaten legal action or loss of license if the provider does not comply.
- They may request information, DEA numbers, or other credential/personal details.
Important guidance:
- Do NOT provide any information (personal, professional, or patient-related) to these individuals under any circumstances.
- Do NOT engage further once you suspect a fraudulent call.
- Immediately report any such call to Christine Vaglienti, assistant vice president and senior litigation counsel, WVU Health System Legal Services, at 304-598-4199.
- Legal Services will coordinate appropriate reporting to the authorities.
Please remain vigilant as these scams are sophisticated and can appear convincing. The DEA does not contact providers by phone to demand information or threaten legal consequences.
Thank you for your prompt attention and cooperation in helping protect our providers, patients, and the Health System from this fraudulent activity.
