The ACC wants to protect our members from known scams and threats that could potentially affect individuals and facilities. Here are some known alerts and steps to follow to keep you safe.

Last Updated 01/09/2024

Beware of Fraudulent Meeting Scams

The ACC has been made aware of several fraudulent websites posing as the official websites for meetings that our members regularly attend. Please note that these websites are attempts to scam interested participants and are not affiliated with the ACC meetings and events in any way. Be aware of emails from unknown senders referencing websites that are not affiliated with ACC meetings and events. If the email address is not affiliated with ACC or a known affiliate, proceed with caution, and always check with ACC Member Care before giving out any personal information when you are unsure. Use caution and avoid sharing any personal or financial information with unfamiliar websites and email addresses.

The ACC has also been made aware of phone calls from fraudulent companies and organizations offering event registrations, hotel reservations, and other services for ACC meetings and events. Please note that these phone calls are attempts to scam interested participants and are not affiliated with the ACC meetings and events. Use caution and avoid sharing any personal or financial information over the phone. Always consult with ACC Member Care when you are unsure if any form of communication regarding ACC meetings and events is authorized by ACC.

ACC Members are encouraged to contact the ACC Member Care team with any questions or concerns regarding suspicious ACC meeting websites, emails, and phone calls. The ACC Member Care team can be reached by phone at 202-375-6000, or by email at membercare@acc.org.

Fake Cardiology "Board" Warning

The ACC has received several reports of members receiving letters from groups called the American Board of Cardiology or American Board of Cardiovascular Disease requesting dues payments. These groups are NOT affiliated with the ACC in any way, and all requests for payments should be ignored and removed, unless you have personally and independently joined one of these groups or received certification from one of these groups and wish to continue with such membership or certification.

Before joining any organization, check to see if it has a history of affiliation with another established organization, board, or accredited educational body. In addition, be cautious of organizations that do not provide a phone number or physical location when contacting you.

ACC members are encouraged to contact ACC Member Care to report suspicious messages, requests, or usage of the College's name or logo. ACC Member Care can be reached by phone at 202-375-6000, ext. 5603 or by email at membercare@acc.org.

Protect Yourself from Ransomware

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued the following guidance for facilities and services affected by a ransomware attack:

Facilities can prevent cyberattack by ensuring that computers and other devices are updated and patched with the latest anti-virus software. Microsoft has a suite of protection tools on their Guide for WannaCrypt Attacks page. All employees should only open emails from trusted sources, and never open attachments unless its contents are absolutely known.  For general advice on how to protect against ransomware, review US-CERT Alert TA16-091A.