Beware of Scam Tactics Utilized During the COVID-19 Outbreak

In the January 2020 issue of the Board of Nursing Bulletin (p. 10, Newsletter January 2020), nurses were warned about telephone scams attempted against Texas nurses. Since that time, board staff have received information from nurses concerning a new scam involving nurse recruiters seeking personal information under the guise of employment opportunities related to COVID-19 response. Nurses have reported that they are pressured to provide personal information and sign exclusive employment contracts with recruiters after receiving advertisements for positions which may have already been filled. The recruiter was also alleged to be in possession of the nurse’s resume, even though the nurse had not provided the resume to the company.

Nurses who think that they may be the victim of a scammer should contact the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. Visit https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/phone-mail-and-fax-scams/how-spot-and-report-phone-scams, for more information on phone scams and to file an Online Consumer Complaint.