Today’s tip is directly reprinted from Consumer Action’s Scam Gram.
A major Maryland healthcare system recently warned patients about phone calls asking recipients to schedule tests “ordered by your provider.” The calls are a ruse to gather personal information, as the callers ask for you to “provide or confirm” details such as your name, cell phone number, doctor’s name, Social Security number, insurance information and home address. While this warning came from the University of Maryland Medical System, similar pretexts are occurring elsewhere, like this fraudulent email that made the rounds at the University of California at Berkeley. The warning notes that callers can be very creative in gaining as much information they can, quickly. They even spoof company names to appear as if they’re calling from a lab or with a lab order from your doctor’s office. Hang up. Do not provide or confirm any information the callers ask for.
Consumer Action is a respected consumer education and advocacy non-profit based in California. You can subscribe here to receive their monthly Scam Gram by email.
