Politics & Government
Scam Alert: Affordable Care Act Fraud
Scam artists have starting calling area residents claiming they need to verify personal information such as Medicare IDs or Social Security numbers as part of the healthcare overhaul passed by Congress.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities has joined with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to warn area residents about a new scam surrounding the Affordable Care Act, according to a press release.
Soon after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the health legislation in June scam artists began working the phones. They claim to be from the government and say they need to verify some information now that the law has been ruled constitutional.
Scammers have asked for bank routing numbers, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, Medicare IDs and other personal information.
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Mary Felter, a spokeswoman for the county Department of Aging and Disability, said there haven't been any reports made by south county seniors. She said she hopes by getting the news out early, it will prevent future issues.
The FTC—the nation’s consumer protection agency—cautioned the public in the release to not give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails or knocks on your door.
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"If you get a call from someone who claims to be from the government and who asks for your personal information, hang up. It’s a scam," according to the release.
The government already has your information, and doesn't need to ask you to verify it, the release stated.
While this new Affordable Care Act Scam is the latest attempt to take advantage of the elderly, Felter said it isn't the most dangerous one out there.
"Have you heard of the grandparent scam?" Felter said. "People call and say 'Grandma, Grandpa, I'm in jail in London."
The 'scammers' then try to convince the resident to wire money to an obscure bank account, Felter said.
"It's really bad. It's one of the worst ones," she said.
If you or someone you know gets one of these calls, the FTC wants you to file a complaint at ftc.gov or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP.
If you think your identity’s been stolen, visit ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT. You also can file a complaint with Maryland's Attorney General.
Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch editor Jonathan Moynihan contributed to this article.
