April 19, 2025 | MedLegalNews.com – California Licensing Boards: Healthcare professionals across California are once again being targeted by a sophisticated blackmail scam, prompting a renewed joint warning from the Medical Board of California, the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). This latest iteration follows similar extortion attempts reported in 2019 and 2022, highlighting the persistent threat to licensees statewide.
Fraudulent Complaints and Fake Allegations
Scammers are sending fake consumer complaint letters that falsely appear to originate from the state’s licensing boards. These letters lack official letterhead and a legitimate return address. Most notably, they contain fabricated allegations under titles such as “NOTICE OF SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY – WORKERS COMPENSATION”, often accusing licensees of sexual harassment, over-treatment, or involvement in unrelated court cases.
Following the letters, many recipients report follow-up phone calls demanding substantial sums—typically around $25,000—to make the complaints disappear. These calls attempt to intimidate professionals into silence and compliance.
“Don’t be a victim twice,” warns Randall Scott Schiavone, a California medical malpractice attorney. “These communications are criminal extortion.”
Pattern Mirrors Previous Scams
This current scheme strongly resembles earlier cases. In November 2022, individuals impersonating law enforcement officers, DEA agents, and board staff called physicians with false claims of missed court dates or license suspensions, then demanded bond payments. Similarly, in 2019, the BRN reported that scammers sent fraudulent ‘Notice of Suspension’ letters using stolen logos and manipulated caller ID to impersonate board investigators from California Licensing Boards.
These past and present scams rely on creating panic and a false sense of urgency to pressure healthcare providers into immediate action.
Legal Experts: This Is Extortion
Multiple attorneys confirm that the scammers’ tactics fall squarely under California’s legal definition of extortion.
“Threatening to expose someone or report them unless they pay is extortion,” explains Jeffrey R. Finley, a medical malpractice attorney. “And for attorneys, making such threats is also unethical.”
Jacob Adam Regar, a personal injury lawyer in Encino, adds: “This is illegal. Do not send money or provide personal information. Call the police.”
Warning Signs to Watch For
Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant. The following red flags indicate a communication is fraudulent:
- ❌ No official letterhead or logos
- ❌ Lack of a valid return address
- ❌ Demands for immediate payment
- ❌ Requests for sensitive personal or banking information
- ❌ References to fabricated or outlandish allegations
- ❌ Suspicious phone calls using spoofed caller ID
Legitimate licensing boards never demand money by phone or issue complaint resolutions without due process. Officials urge licensees to disregard such communications and report them immediately.
What To Do If You Are Targeted
If you’ve received a suspicious letter or call:
- Do not pay any money.
- Do not share personal or financial information.
- Do not respond to the sender or caller.
- Report the incident to your board and local law enforcement.
Contact Your Licensing Board:
- Medical Board of California: (800) 633-2322
- California Board of Chiropractic Examiners: (916) 263-5355
- California Board of Registered Nursing: (916) 322-3350 (Press 4 for Enforcement)
Also Report To:
- DEA Scam Reporting: DEA Extortion Scam Reporting Form
- FCC Complaint Form: Submit Complaint to the FCC
The boards continue to work with law enforcement to investigate these schemes and protect licensees from harm.
🛡️ Stay Informed. Stay Protected.
Scammers are evolving. Stay ahead with timely updates and legal insights from MedLegalNews.com.
👉 Subscribe now to receive regulatory alerts and compliance news tailored for California’s healthcare professionals.