State alerts Hawaiʻi health professionals to fraud scheme targeting license holders

State officials are warning Hawaiʻi nurses and other licensed medical professionals about an ongoing phone scam in which callers falsely claim to represent government agencies investigating professional licenses.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said scammers have recently targeted current and former nursing license holders, including licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses.

Officials said dentists, pharmacists and other health care professionals could also be at risk.

According to the department, callers posing as state officials tell victims they are under investigation and then attempt to obtain personal information or demand money through wire transfers.

The state said legitimate disciplinary actions involving professional licenses are handled only through the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division’s 52 licensing boards, commissions and programs, following a formal process that includes notification and investigation by the Regulated Industries Complaints Office.

Officials emphasized that RICO investigators communicate through official written correspondence and do not request sensitive personal information or ask for payments over the phone.

The department also clarified that agencies such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and Human Services does not have authority to suspend, revoke or investigate licenses regulated under DCCA’s licensing division.

Medical professionals are being advised to hang up immediately if they receive suspicious calls and avoid sharing personal or financial information. Officials also warned that caller ID information can be manipulated to appear as though the call is coming from a government office.

Those in the medical field are encouraged to verify any claims independently by contacting the appropriate agency through official DCCA channels. The department said suspicious calls should be reported to the applicable licensing board or directly to the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.

State officials noted that impersonating a public servant is a criminal offense that can result in prosecution.

To proceed independently, contact the agency directly by clicking here or calling 844-808-3222 Ext: 1.