Fraud Scam Alert
OCTOBER 2024 UPDATE
The Respiratory Care Board (RCB) has been informed that scam calls targeting licensees are happening again. These scams involve individuals posing as staff from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) or RCB, falsely claiming that the licensee is under investigation, that their license may be suspended, or that an arrest warrant has been issued. The scammers then demand money or personal information.
In some cases, these individuals may impersonate authorities from the local police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They may also "spoof" RCB telephone numbers to make it appear that the call is legitimate.
Important Reminders:
- RCB staff or investigators will never demand money or payment over the phone. Any legitimate inquiry will be conducted through official channels.
- Do not provide any personal information, such as social security numbers, dates of birth, or credit/debit card numbers, over the phone.
- If you receive a suspicious call, contact the RCB directly at (916) 999-2190 to verify whether an official investigation is underway.
- Report the scam to local law enforcement authorities.
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the DEA, submit a report using the "Extortion Scam Online Reporting" form on the DEA Diversion Control Division’s website: www.DEADiversion.usdoj.gov.
If the caller claims to be from the FBI, report the scam using the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reporting form.
If the caller’s number appears to be from the RCB, report the scam to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) using their consumer complaint form: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
Please remain vigilant and protect yourself from these fraudulent schemes.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the RCB: (916) 999-2190 rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov
