Professionals have reported “an alarming scam involving impersonation and intimidation tactics” impersonating the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. (Getty Images)
The caller may sound like a Division of Professional Licensing official. Their phone number may seem associated with the division. They may demonstrate knowledge on professional licensing topics and different professions. But they may actually be scammers using fake names in search of personal information or money.
According to the division, professionals have reported “an alarming scam involving impersonation and intimidation tactics,” very credibly impersonating Division of Professional Licensing officials and threatening victims with license suspensions and criminal investigations.
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The tactics resemble those used by scammers posing as government officials, according to a news release. That may include calls, emails, texts or social media messages that may even include the names of real coworkers.
A victim described receiving a call from someone identifying themselves as a “chief investigation officer” at the division, according to the release. The caller said “the victim’s license was temporarily suspended because of an FBI investigation involving illicit drug trafficking. The caller threatened the victim not to disclose investigation details and instructed them to visit a nearby UPS store to receive more details via fax.”
But, that caller wasn’t a legitimate employee and that investigation didn’t exist.
The caller also insisted on keeping the victim on the line during the whole conversation, a red flag that may indicate the person on the other side of the phone is a scammer. Other scammers have also used threats of license suspensions and demand for payment claiming it help the victim avoid fines or losing their licenses altogether.
The division warns that immediate threats are “a clear indicator of a scam,” as their officials usually communicate with professionals before taking any disciplinary action.
The scammers have been targeting health care licensees, though there have also been accounts of similar communications with authentic-looking letters impersonating the division, impacting other industries.
Licensees shouldn’t engage with the callers or provide any personal information. They can also verify the authenticity of any communication by contacting the Division of Professional Licensing at 801-530-6628 or doploutreach@utah.gov.
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