HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is warning medical professionals, particularly those in the dental field, about a phone scam in which fraudsters pose as state officials.
The scammers falsely claim that the Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the individual’s professional license.
According to DCCA, the scammers’ primary goal is to obtain personal information from their victims.
Sheena Choy, with the DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, explained that scammers often use phone spoofing techniques to make their calls appear as though they are coming from a legitimate state agency or government official.
“The caller ID can be manipulated to make it seem like the call is from an official source,” Choy said.
DCCA officials stress that the Department of Health and Human Services does not have the authority to suspend, revoke, or initiate investigations into professional or vocational licenses.
Professionals are advised to be cautious and verify any such claims directly with the appropriate authorities