EMAIL SCAM

EMAIL SCAM 

 

The MN Board of MFT is aware that licensees of other health licensure boards, as well as MFT licensees, are being targeted by email, US Mail, and telephone phishing scams, from individuals claiming they are board representatives.  A recent email received by some MN LMFTs purports to provide information about an upcoming MN Board of MFT 2020 Conference and includes an attachment identified as “dangerous” by many browser security settings. This email is NOT from the MN Board of MFT. Please note that emails sent by the Board will come from the sender MN_HLB_MFT BOARD (mft.board@state.mn.us) or Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (MNBMFT@public.govdelivery.com).  This recent phishing email was sent by a GMAIL address.  Other boards’ licensees have received official appearing letters stating the provider’s license is suspended due to illegal activity. This may be followed by a phone call requesting payment be sent via electronic wire transfer to resolve the licensure issue.  In a recent attempt, the phone number of the caller displayed on caller ID matched that board’s primary number by using a caller ID spoofing technique.  This technology is now widely used by scammers. Note: The MN Board of MFT will never ask you for payment information by telephone. If you are ever unsure whether an email, letter or telephone call purportedly from the MN Board of MFT is legitimate, please contact the Board by email (mft.board@state.mn.us) or telephone (612) 617-2220.