Scam alert: phone calls and emails targeting physicians
CMPA is aware of several scams currently circulating via phone and email targeting Canadian physicians. These fraudulent messages come from individuals pretending to be with reputable organizations (e.g. the RCMP, Canada’s Drug Agency, or a regulatory College).
The messages use scare tactics (e.g. “the police have been contacted”) to pressure you to act immediately and often include requests to share personal, patient, or financial information, or send payment immediately.
What to do if you receive a scam call or email
If you receive a fraudulent call or email, follow the steps below:
- Do not provide any personal, financial, or patient information.
- Hang up immediately or report it as phishing/spam and delete the email.
- Contact the organization directly through their official phone number or website to verify if the message is genuine.
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if this is indeed a fraud attempt.
What to do if you’ve fallen victim to a scam
If you have fallen victim to a fraudulent call or email and provided personal, patient, or financial information, this may result in a data breach. Please immediately
- Report the incident to your organization’s security and privacy team, or your cyber-insurance provider for further advice and next steps.
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- Read CMPA’s advice on how to manage a breach and contact us with any questions:
Communications from CMPA
We do not believe that any current fraud attempts are impersonating CMPA representatives.
If you ever want to verify the authenticity of a call or communication from us, you may sign in to the members-only section of our website and send us a secure message by web mail and we will respond accordingly. Alternatively, you may call us at 1-800-267-6522, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
Learn how to protect yourself
For strategies and tips to help protect yourself from cyberattacks see CMPA’s advice Cybersecurity threats: Are you prepared? and read the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s guidance on how to Protect yourself from scams and fraud.
