Whether it's a phone call or a letter, receiving any communication from your professional licensing board can be intimidating. After all, these agencies have the power to suspend your license or revoke it entirely. But what happens if you're contacted by someone pretending to be from a government agency? And what should you do to protect your license and professional reputation? Let's look at a recent cautionary tale to find out.
Concerned about your license? Contact the Lento Law Firm Team now online, or by phone at 888.535.3686, to get urgent legal support.
The Cautionary Tale of Dr. Jae Cho
In late November, Dr. Jae Cho, a dentist in Utah, received a call from someone alleging to be from the state Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). The caller advised him that someone stole his identity and used it for money laundering and drug trafficking. If he hung up, he'd lose the chance to defend himself and prove that it was identity theft. He'd lose his license—and his professional career. What was he to do, then? Well, the caller told him to await further instructions at his local UPS store.
Unsurprisingly, this set alarm bells ringing for Dr. Cho. To confirm his concerns, he contacted the DOPL while on the phone with the scammer. The DOPL confirmed his suspicions––this was a fake call. Had he complied with the request, there's a good chance the scammer would request money. And it would be incredibly challenging to get it back.
How Do I Know I'm Really Talking to the Licensing Board?
Sadly, it's not always easy to be sure whether you're really talking to the state DOPL. However, here are some “red flags” to look out for.
- Urgency. Although DOPL staff may contact you, they shouldn't pressure you to respond right away.
- Unusual Demands. DOPL staff won't ask you to take immediate or unusual action, such as visiting a UPS store.
- Threats. Scammers will use frightening stories, such as the threat of identity theft, to make you feel as though you must act. DOPL staff will only ever advise you of a potential investigation and give you plenty of time to respond and hire legal counsel.
If in doubt, follow Dr. Cho's lead and contact the DOPL directly. Use the official contact information on their website––not those provided by the potential scammer.
What Happens if I'm the Victim of Licensing Board Impersonators?
First, don't panic. Instead, you could report it to the real DOPL and a government agency such as the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Or contact local law enforcement to ask for help with how to proceed.
You should also contact our attorneys, who can immediately help you ascertain whether there's a real investigation against you. And if you so happen to be subject to a genuine licensing complaint, then we're ready and willing to help you defend your career.
Do everything you can to protect your license. Get the support you deserve from the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team. Call now at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to retain our attorneys today.
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