The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) received reports that persons pretending to be from one of the health-related boards are contacting both active and inactive licensees. The scammers are altering the information that appears on caller ID to show the State Board phone number and name (spoofing). The scammers are known to be aggressively accusing licensees of drug trafficking and/or money laundering and sending emails and text messages indicated the license has been suspended. In addition, the scammers are sending facsimiles to licensees on forged letterhead, originating from a fake phone number.
BPOA reminds licensees and applicants of the following:
· We will NOT text, call or fax you a suspension notification. The Department 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.
· We will NOT engage you in a 3-way call with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
· We will NOT ask you to receive faxes from a specific retailer for a fee.
· Do NOT give your personal or financial information over the phone, by text message or fax, including your zip code.
· We will NEVER request payment for any service or civil penalty by wire, gift cards or transfer to a foreign country.
· We WILL provide you with a contact name and phone number if you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action.
· CONTACT the Board office if you are not sure if a communication pertaining to your licensure status is legitimate.
· CONTACT your local police department or the Pennsylvania State Police if you believe you have been the victim of a scam.
· REPORT any email or online scam attempts to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Internet Crime Complaint Center(IC3) | Home Page
The State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology regulates the practice and licensure of persons offering speech-language and hearing services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board’s purposes are to safeguard the health and safety of the public; to protect the public from being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous and unauthorized persons; to assail unprofessional conduct on the part of qualified speech-language pathologists and audiologists; and to insure that the highest possible quality of speech-language and hearing services are provided for all communicatively handicapped persons in the Commonwealth. The Board’s duties include examining for, denying, approving, issuing, revoking, suspending, or renewing licenses to speech-language pathologists, audiologists and teachers of the hearing impaired; establishing a code of ethics for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; promulgating rules and regulations regarding persons functioning under the direction of audiologists and speech-language pathologists; and conducting hearings upon complaints of violations of the Board’s rules and regulations.
Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario. You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.