STATE AGENCY ISSUES CONSUMER ADVISORY WARNING OF ID THEFT SCAM

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Department of Business and Professional Regulation today issued a consumer advisory after learning an entity posing as the Department is allegedly 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 Department 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 Department directly at 850-487-1395. Licensees may also 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 Department will investigate the matter fully and will work with law enforcement to determine whether any criminal action has occurred.