BBB Warns Of Fake Medical Company Scamming Seniors
ELK GROVE (CBS13) - The Better Business Bureau is warning senior citizens to hang up on scammers claiming to be from a medical company and attempting to gain bank account information.
"It doesn't matter who claims to be on the phone; do not give unsolicited callers your bank account or social security numbers," Gary Almond, president of BBB Serving Northeast California, said in a released statement.
An Elk Grove woman grew suspicious after her mother began receiving phone calls as early as 6 a.m. from a company called GMY.
The woman told the BBB the company claimed her "mother would be receiving a card to pay for her medical care."
"They went on to ask for her bank account numbers. I wouldn't give them any information when they refused to tell me their phone number or company name," the woman said.
The BBB warns that similar scams have been reported across the country using the same company name. Other reports also say the scam has claimed to be working with Medicare to issue new cards.
"Always make sure you are speaking with a trustworthy person and business before taking the conversation any further," said Almond.
The BBB offers the following tips to avoid these types of scams:
- Do not give personal information to unsolicited callers.
- The government does not call, text or email. Also, the government should already possess the necessary information and should not ask for your social security number or address.
- Do not accept free medical services or equipment in exchange for your Medicare number.
- Identify real Medicare providers by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY at 1-866-653-4261.
