The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) is committed to upholding our mandate of public protection through the ongoing professional regulation of social workers.
Background and Issue:
ACSW has been alerted that the names and valid registration numbers of registered social workers have been used to create false profiles published on the website Psychology Today, fraudulently advertising services as a registered social worker. Furthering this concern, Psychology Today has marked profile credentials as “verified” with a large check mark image beside the listed registration number. While the name and credential listed in the verified box is that of an actual social worker, the name on the profile has been altered but presents very similar to the actual name of the social worker who holds the registration number appearing on these false profiles.
What the ACSW has done:
- Informed the impacted social workers whose names and credentials have been fraudulently used in these profiles
- Collaborated with other impacted health profession regulators, including the College of Alberta Psychologists
- Advised the other provincial social work regulators across the country
- Contacted Psychology Today and ensured the false profiles were removed from the website
- We will continue to monitor, assess and take necessary action in the public interest
What you can do:
- Check and verify that a Psychology Today profile has not been falsely created with your name and registration credential without your permission
- Periodically check for your name and RSW number on the internet to monitor for potential use of your professional identity without your permission
- If you discover a false profile using your name and registration credentials, report to the website and request it is removed
- Report to ACSW your findings and actions taken
- Report to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
While this particular concern was specific to the online advertising service provided by Psychology Today, there are other online advertising platforms available for mental health services. The ACSW does not endorse or promote any advertising platforms. Please continue to advise your clients that they can verify registered social workers authorized to practice in Alberta on ACSW’s online public register.
Have questions? Further inquiries can be directed to acsw@acsw.ab.ca