FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct. 23, 2000

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jennifer Doktorski, Genene Morris (973) 504-6327

NEWARK - Attorney General John J. Farmer, Jr. and Division of Consumer Affairs Director Mark S. Herr are warning physicians, other licensed health care professionals and their office staffs about a scam that uses a phony questionnaire that may provide con artists with vital, confidential information including their DEA numbers, social security numbers and detailed information regarding their credit cards.

State investigators were alerted Thursday to a mailing sent to New Jersey physicians on a letterhead which appears to have come from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, seeking to "update" physician "profiles in our system." The questionnaire also claimed that by responding a physician would be able to order controlled dangerous substances over the phone or via the Internet as a professional convenience. In fact, no such mailing came from the Division of Consumer Affairs and the return address with a Newark post office box number, is for an entity not associated with any governmental agency.

Not only does the questionnaire seek personal information which could result in making the unwitting professional a victim of financial fraud, but also, vital, confidential professional information such as DEA numbers which could further illegal drug trafficking. In fact, the fraudulent questionnaire, seeks to have the physician provide two samples of his signature "... as you sign on your prescription pad."

Anyone receiving such a questionnaire should not respond to the solicitation and should contact Consumer Affairs during regular business hours at 1-800-242-5846 or their professional board if they have any doubts as to the authenticity of any document received from the Attorney General, The Division of Consumer Affairs, or their professional licensing board.

Physicians or any health care professionals who believe they have recently filled out and sent in such a questionnaire should contact Consumer Affairs Enforcement Bureau during regular business hours at 973-504-6300 immediately.

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