Don’t fall for Obamacare health scams

If the phone rings and the stranger on the call is trying to sell you an “Obamacare card,” or threatens you with a fine or jail time unless you buy extra medical insurance from them, then just hang up the phone because it’s a scam.

Unfortunately, con men aren’t wasting any time in their attempts to take advantage of widespread confusion over the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The scamsters posing as someone from the federal government will try to steal Social Security and credit card numbers and other personal information, including Medicare and Medicaid numbers, with the intention of committing identity theft.

Sometimes the scammer will say the Obamacare card is free, other times the cost is only a few dollars and payment is requested with a direct withdrawal using bank account routing numbers or cash through a wire transfer. Later, the victim discovers their bank account is empty.

Consumers have reported some solicitors have used scary language, such as, “The government is requiring you to do this or you will lose your health insurance or Social Security benefits.” Other consumers have heard various enticements, including free medical device products, or free medic alert service or be among the first to sign-up in a new prescription drug plan -- if they provide the personal information.

Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission recently issued a consumer alert about a telemarketing scheme where the imposters claim to be from Medicare and are insisting the Medicare enrollees disclose their personal or financial information in order to continue eligibility.

Government officials are expecting some scammers will pretend to be “certified navigators” and ask for an up-front fee. One of the aspects of Obamacare is to use taxpayer dollars on navigator groups who will be tasked to help uninsured Americans sign up for benefits in the exchanges. Admittedly, it may be difficult for some consumers to distinguish the fake navigators from the real ones.

Your BBB recommends the following tips to avoid the Obamacare scam:

-- Never give out your personal information over the phone to an unsolicited caller. Give your insurance or Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with medical services. Keep accurate records of all health care appointments to prevent fraud involving information provided to doctors or caregivers.

-- High-pressure sales tactics is a red flag warning that the sales pitch is too good to be true. Scammers want to get your money or personal information before you have time to think.

-- Don’t do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that medical services or equipment are free. Somebody has to pay for it, namely U.S. taxpayers.

For additional consumer protection information, visit www.bbb.org or contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) by phoning (858) 637-6199 during regular business hours. Or, call the BBB's 24-hour Consumer Helpline at (858) 496-2131 or 1-800-600-7050 to obtain free information on local companies along with a list of BBB accredited businesses in a particular type of industry.