It’s enough to make you sick. No sooner had the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Affordable Care Act, than scam artists began working the phones. Using the Affordable Care Act as a hook, the callers say they’re from the government and they need to verify some information. They might have your bank’s routing number and try to use that information to get you to reveal your account number; or they may ask for your credit, debit or Social Security numbers, your Medicare or Medicaid ID numbers, or other personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, advises consumers not to give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, e-mails, or to anyone who knocks on your door. Scam artists want your information to commit identity theft by charging on your existing credit cards, debiting your checking and/or savings accounts, or writing fraudulent checks; opening new credit card, checking or savings accounts; or taking out loans in your name.
The government and legitimate organizations you do business with already have the information they need, and will not ask you for it. So, if someone who claims to be from the government calls and asks for your personal information, do not disclose anything – it’s a scam. Hang up the phone and then file a complaint online by visiting www.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). If you think your identity already has been stolen, visit www.ftc.gove/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338). You also may file a complaint with your state Attorney General.
For more information about the federal health care law, visit HealthCare.gov.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
