I think I was scammed

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I think I've been scammed. I applied for a job with a healthcare agency that was posted on Indeed. Discussed the job with the recruiter and submitted my information, license #, ACLS/BLS, and covid. Before I submitted my information, I checked the agency's website for more information. It looked legitimate. Two days later, I got an email from recruiter with a partial letter from the hospital stating they accepted my application for the RN position and wanted me to start on the date I said I would be available. Unfortunately, the recruiter's email said it was an LPN position instead of a RN. I responded with a question about why the position is for LPN and not RN. Have not heard back from the recruiter. I checked the agency's website, and it's disappeared. I am very concerned with my information being out there. What can I do to protect my license and any other personal information they may have access to?

 

 

 

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4 Answers

Contact your Nursing board to report. 

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I'm genuinely sorry you're going through this; it's so incredibly low for someone to attempt to steal your information, especially the nursing license you worked so hard for.

Unfortunately, scammers can create similar domain names and clone websites and brands. Here are some steps you can take to protect your personal information and your license:

  • Monitor your bank and credit accounts. Look for any unusual activity or transactions that indicate someone is misusing your information. You can set up alerts for any new activity.
  • Credit monitoring. If you haven't already, consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. This service can notify you of any changes to your credit report or accounts, helping you detect identity theft early.
  • Notify your State Board of Nursing. Report the situation. While you don't have evidence that your license is in immediate danger, it's important to notify your state's nursing board that your license number was shared with a possibly fraudulent organization. They may not only provide you with advice but could also flag the scam, helping protect other nurses.
  • Change passwords and security settings. To ensure the security of your email accounts, change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you use the same password for other accounts, change those, too.
  • Personal information. If you shared any other sensitive personal details (social security number, etc.) with the agency, be on the lookout for any signs of misuse. You may also consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian).
  • Notify relevant authorities. Complaint. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. They provide a detailed process for reporting and recovering from identity theft.

In addition, document everything. Keep copies of any emails, screenshots of the website if possible (before it was taken down), and any communications you've had with the recruiter or agency. This documentation could be useful if the situation escalates.

  • Contact the hospital. You might want to contact their HR department to confirm whether they are affiliated with the healthcare agency or recruiter. This could clarify whether any of the information you received was legitimate.
  • Review online reviews and scam databases. Look up the name of the agency and recruiter on websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, or other job review platforms. Job sites like Indeed.com do indeed have scam listings. You may find others who have had similar experiences or warnings.

Check scam lists. Websites dedicated to tracking scams, including fraudulent healthcare agencies, exist. You might find additional details there that help you assess the legitimacy of the recruiter and agency.

Stay alert for further contact. Be cautious if you receive any follow-up communication, especially if they ask for more personal details or payment for background checks, training, or other services. Legitimate employers do not typically ask for money upfront.

Tells

  • The English is bad, with grammatical and colloquial errors. The job postings are unprofessional and poorly written, and the job descriptions may be vague and generic. Pare theses in the posting with names or titles "dropped in" can indicate that they use a script.
  • They will try to impose a sense of urgency. Resist and do not respond quickly. Job offers without an interview are always suspect.
  • The recruiter may have a Gmail or personal email address, and they may text or email you at strange hours. Usin  W atsApp is a tell.
  • The job is too good to be true. Don't believe everything you read online. 
  • Be sure to research a recruiter's/agency's online presence and the employer's reputation. Look for a photo of the hospital/building with the name on it.

These precautions can help minimize potential risks and protect your personal and professional information. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

Specializes in Hospice.
ChanP78 said:

Contact your Nursing board to report. 

Definitely! Nurses have had their license numbers stolen by non-nurses in order to have access to those higher paying jobs. 

Nurse Beth said:

I'm genuinely sorry you're going through this; it's so incredibly low for someone to attempt to steal your information, especially the nursing license you worked so hard for.

Unfortunately, scammers can create similar domain names and clone websites and brands. Here are some steps you can take to protect your personal information and your license:

  • Monitor your bank and credit accounts. Look for any unusual activity or transactions that indicate someone is misusing your information. You can set up alerts for any new activity.
  • Credit monitoring. If you haven't already, consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. This service can notify you of any changes to your credit report or accounts, helping you detect identity theft early.
  • Notify your State Board of Nursing. Report the situation. While you don't have evidence that your license is in immediate danger, it's important to notify your state's nursing board that your license number was shared with a possibly fraudulent organization. They may not only provide you with advice but could also flag the scam, helping protect other nurses.
  • Change passwords and security settings. To ensure the security of your email accounts, change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you use the same password for other accounts, change those, too.
  • Personal information. If you shared any other sensitive personal details (social security number, etc.) with the agency, be on the lookout for any signs of misuse. You may also consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian).
  • Notify relevant authorities. Complaint. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. They provide a detailed process for reporting and recovering from identity theft.

In addition, document everything. Keep copies of any emails, screenshots of the website if possible (before it was taken down), and any communications you've had with the recruiter or agency. This documentation could be useful if the situation escalates.

  • Contact the hospital. You might want to contact their HR department to confirm whether they are affiliated with the healthcare agency or recruiter. This could clarify whether any of the information you received was legitimate.
  • Review online reviews and scam databases. Look up the name of the agency and recruiter on websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, or other job review platforms. Job sites like Indeed.com do indeed have scam listings. You may find others who have had similar experiences or warnings.

Check scam lists. Websites dedicated to tracking scams, including fraudulent healthcare agencies, exist. You might find additional details there that help you assess the legitimacy of the recruiter and agency.

Stay alert for further contact. Be cautious if you receive any follow-up communication, especially if they ask for more personal details or payment for background checks, training, or other services. Legitimate employers do not typically ask for money upfront.

Tells

  • The English is bad, with grammatical and colloquial errors. The job postings are unprofessional and poorly written, and the job descriptions may be vague and generic. Pare theses in the posting with names or titles "dropped in" can indicate that they use a script.
  • They will try to impose a sense of urgency. Resist and do not respond quickly. Job offers without an interview are always suspect.
  • The recruiter may have a Gmail or personal email address, and they may text or email you at strange hours. Usin  W atsApp is a tell.
  • The job is too good to be true. Don't believe everything you read online. 
  • Be sure to research a recruiter's/agency's online presence and the employer's reputation. Look for a photo of the hospital/building with the name on it.

These precautions can help minimize potential risks and protect your personal and professional information. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

Same happened to me called my board and they said there was nothing they could do nor could the flag my account.

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