The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina warns seniors to protect themselves against current medical insurance and Medicare scams. Highlighted in the December Consumer Alerts, seniors are likely to encounter instances of identity theft and illegal bank withdrawals after giving out personal information over the phone.
Consumers have been receiving automated messages from what sounds like a well-known insurance company requesting that they call a stated number. Upon returning the call, consumers are told their Medicare Prescription plan’s premium has not been received due to a computer system glitch. The company then asks for personal information including bank account information. This is a ploy that leads to identity theft.
“Seniors are often eager to make sure their medical payments are up-to-date and are often unaware of this type of fraud,” said Beverly Baskin, President and CEO of the BBB of Eastern NC. “Before giving out personal information over the phone, it is essential that seniors check with the BBB to determine the authenticity of a call.”
Additionally, SMS Marketing is under investigation for falsely claiming to provide medical coverage. Seniors are contacted by phone from a false pharmaceutical company regarding ‘life coverage.’ Consumers are promised an insurance card within 10 days if they pay a one-time fee of $389. Withdrawals are made under the name SMS Marketing and no insurance card is ever received.
Visit www.bbbenc.org for more information on how to keep seniors protected.
About the BBB of Eastern North Carolina:
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by membership dues from more than 2,800 local business and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by the BBB include a 24-hour automated telephone inquiry service, which provides reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit www.bbbenc.org.