April 19, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — MedLegalNews.com — A new licensing board scam is targeting healthcare professionals across California, prompting a 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 ongoing threat to licensees statewide.
Fraudulent Complaints and Fake Allegations
Scammers are sending fraudulent letters and making intimidating calls designed to mimic official communications from state licensing boards. This licensing board scam often includes fake allegations of misconduct, fabricated consumer complaints, and demands for large sums of money, creating a false sense of urgency to coerce healthcare professionals into compliance. By exploiting fear and uncertainty, these schemes can disrupt daily practice operations and potentially harm the professional reputations of targeted licensees if not identified and reported promptly.
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 licensing board scam 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 creThese past and present scams rely on creating panic and a false sense of urgency to pressure healthcare providers into immediate action.ating 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.”
Legal authorities emphasize that victims of a licensing board scam should act quickly to protect themselves. This includes documenting all communications, preserving emails and phone call records, and immediately reporting any suspicious activity to both the appropriate licensing board and local law enforcement. Prompt action not only helps prevent financial loss but also assists investigators in tracking and prosecuting the individuals behind these schemes.
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, use aggressive tactics, or issue complaint resolutions without due process. They always follow formal procedures, provide verifiable documentation, and allow licensees the opportunity to respond to any allegations.
Any communication pressuring you for immediate payment or sensitive personal information is a strong indicator of a licensing board scam. Officials urge licensees to disregard such fraudulent communications and report them immediately to protect their license and prevent further victimization.
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 licensing board scam schemes and protect licensees from harm.
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FAQs: California Licensing Board Scam
What is the California licensing board scam targeting healthcare professionals?
It is a fraudulent scheme where scammers send fake complaint letters and make threatening calls, attempting to extort money from California healthcare licensees.
How can medical professionals identify a California licensing board scam?
Red flags include letters without official letterhead, demands for immediate payment, requests for personal banking information, and calls from spoofed phone numbers.
What should a healthcare professional do if targeted by this scam?
Do not pay any money or share personal information. Report the incident to your licensing board and local law enforcement immediately.
Which boards are issuing warnings about these scams in California?
The Medical Board of California, California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and California Board of Registered Nursing have issued joint warnings to alert licensees about these ongoing scams.