The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) recently issued a consumer advisory after learning an entity posing as the DBPR allegedly is targeting license holders in a potential identity theft scam.
An unsolicited email, which appears to be from the department, warns of pending disciplinary action against licenses. The email directs the recipient to call a department investigator at a toll-free number and provide personal identification information.
The DBPR has confirmed that the email communication is in no way connected with the department or its regulatory authority.
If a license holder receives an email from an entity claiming to be the department and warning of disciplinary action, he or she should not respond to the email or call the listed number. Instead, the licensee should contact the DBPR directly at 1-850-487- 1395. Licensees also may log into their online accounts to view any public disciplinary actions.
The department warned licensees against providing personal identification information to unknown individuals or companies who have made unsolicited contact with them. The theft of personal identification information is a crime and should be reported immediately to local law enforcement.
The DBPR will investigate the matter fully and will work with law enforcement to determine whether any criminal action has occurred.
