The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is warning the public about phone scammers impersonating state officials and government agencies to target medical professionals.

The department says the scammers make false threats of investigations in an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information. Reports have surfaced of individuals pretending to be government officials contacting licensees, falsely claiming an investigation is being conducted into their professional license.

Scammers have been impersonating state and federal officials to include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hawaii Medical Board, and respective states’ Departments of Health and Human Services. Recent incidents have involved dental and medical doctor licensees.

People are being advised to be wary of callers posing as law enforcement or government agencies who specifically ask to be paid by gift card, money sharing app, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, law enforcement and other government agencies will not call to solicit money or threaten arrest.

Anyone who has received any similar calls is being advised to call the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 1-844-808-3222.