Scam Alert: Attorney General Warms Consumers to Check Credentials of Providers Offering Alternative Pain Relief Methods and Remedies

(Phoenix, AZ) Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is warning Arizona residents to beware of people representing themselves as health care providers without proper authority.

The Attorney General’s Office has been made aware of businesses recently operating in the Phoenix metro area, which offer pain relief pain through the sale of supplements. Some representatives may be using the title “Dr.” before their names but they are not medical doctors. They hold degrees in a field of study that offers a Ph.D., which may entitle them to use the designation “Dr.”, but are not certified medical doctors.

Consumers who use alternative pain relief methods or alternative remedies are advised to research the background and credentials of any provider representing themselves as a medical doctor while offering these products or services for sale.

When consulting with a new provider, consumers are advised to check with regulatory authorities to determine whether the person is a medical doctor or degreed in some other field. Consumers can check with the Arizona Medical Board at 480-551-2700 or visit their Web site http://www.azmd.gov/. Additionally, the Arizona Medical Board has created AZ Doc Finder, which allows consumers to check for physicians (MDs, DOs, NMDs), physician assistants, dentists and optometrists. Consumers can visit AZ Doc Finder’s Web site.

Other state agencies include:

The Attorney General urges consumers to report suspicious activities to the Consumer Protection & Advocacy Section of the Attorney General’s office at 602-542-5763 or on the Internet at www.azag.gov.