Beware Of Phone Scams

To help you steer clear of fraudsters, here are a few warning signs and best practices to keep in mind.

1. Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize, even if the numbers appear to be local (spammers accomplish this through a practice called spoofing).
2. If you do answer the phone but become suspicious or feel pressured in any way, don’t hesitate to hang up immediately. 
3. Beware of anyone who calls themselves a “health care representative,” a “government representative,” a “health insurance counselor,” or who says they’re from a medical discount plan. 
4. Similarly, question anyone who claims to be from a trusted retailer, financial institution, internet or service provider, or law enforcement. If they are legitimate, they will be more than willing to give you their name and a callback number. 
5. If the caller asks for personal information or payment, you can be almost certain the call is a scam. 
6. Still in doubt? Hang up and contact your health insurance providers directly using the customer service number on your insurance card or the provider’s website.