Source: State Medical Board of Ohio
State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) licensees should be on alert for a scam that has resurfaced targeting Ohio physicians. Scammers have been calling and faxing prescribers stating they have been investigated for drug trafficking by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and their license has been suspended effective immediately.
Please remember, SMBO investigators will not ask for fine payment or personal/sensitive information over the phone and will never contact licensees via fax. If the SMBO is truly conducting an investigation and that individual faces action against their license, they will receive an official notice of opportunity for a hearing either via certified mail or by personal service. Information on all suspensions of SMBO licenses and the payment of all SMBO fines can be found via the official State of Ohio portal, eLicense.ohio.gov. Further, emails originating from actual SMBO staff end in @med.ohio.gov.
- Eastern Ohio: Chris Forshey
- Central Ohio: Shawn McCafferty
- Western Ohio: Amy Myers.
If you are contacted by a scammer, please report the incident to local law enforcement and Ohio’s Attorney General by filing a complaint online at ohioprotects.org or by calling 800.282.0515.