Prescription Discount Scam Targets Senior Citizens

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Woodstock, GA -- Seniors are currently being targeted by a variation of the prescription discount scam, and the Cherokee County Senior Services Department is sounding the alarm.

According to the agency, the scam involves tricking victims into paying for a card that will supposedly reduce their prescription drug costs.

Of course, some of these discount services do offer genuine savings, but many of them are just phony, the agency said.

In the latest version, telesales callers offer victims their first three prescriptions free if they sign up -- and pay for -- a supposed mail order service.

This is actually a simple phishing trick, as “the crooks just want victims’ credit card numbers,” the agency said.

The scammers are calling from China, but they spoof the number of a medical services company in Virginia. This gives the appearance of a legitimate service.

Cherokee County Senior Services advises against making purchases such as these, especially ones that call for spur-of-the-moment action through a telesales offer.

“Sadly, these days, you have no way of knowing who really is on the other end of the line,” the agency said. “But you can be sure that the better the deal they offer, the more likely it is to be a scam.”

Cherokee County Senior Services has a real, legitimate discount card that is free to its seniors. You use the card at your local big chain pharmacy to get discounts on many prescriptions. This card is for individuals who do not have insurance or Medicare.

For additional information about the card, contact Bobbi Henson with Senior Services at 770-345-5320.

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