Scam Alert: Message from the Board of Physicians

The Maryland Board of Physicians sent an alert this week notifying physicians that some licensees have received a fraudulent email pretending to represent the Board. Scams involving individuals impersonating state agency entities continue to be a serious issue. Scams are also becoming more sophisticated, which makes it even more important to be aware of and know how to recognize and protect yourself and your personal data from these types of scams.

Here’s an email scam received by a Board licensee: scam_alert_email.pdf

The scammer used some “true” information about the Board to help make the email seem credible, but there are a lot of red flags in the body of the email. For example:

  1. The email references a non-existent agency called the Maryland Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
  2. The grammar and punctuation don’t flow properly.
  3. If you hover over the link (Validate Profile Here), it’s not the Board’s website address of www.mbp.state.md.us. The Board does not need you to “Validate Your Profile” in order to renew your license.
  4. In the example scam_alert_webpage.pdf, the webpage appears to be sanctioned by the Maryland Board of Physicians, but again, notice the web address at the top of the page! It is not the Maryland Board of Physicians’ official webpage and it’s not secure. You know you are on the secure webpage of the Board when you see “https:\\” in front of the web address. The “S” means secure. Our website is validated by Digicert.

The Board reminds licensees of the following:

  • DO NOT give your personal or financial information over the phone, text message, fax, or email.
  • The Board will NOT threaten you. The Board initiates disciplinary action through an administrative process. If you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action, you will receive notice by certified mail and/or personal service.
  • Never click on links in an email without first hovering over the link with your cursor. If it appears invalid or suspicious, do not click on it.
  • If you receive an email or telephone call from a person claiming to represent the Board and you are unsure, do not provide them with any personal information. Contact the Board directly by emailing mbpmail@rcn.com or calling 1-800-492-6836 or 410-764-4777.