Pennsylvania State Police in Indiana report that a phone scam is making its way around the area.
The warning comes after a 75-year-old woman reported that she received a suspicious phone call early Wednesday afternoon saying that she would be receiving free face masks. The woman said the caller asked for her Medicaid ID number, along with her height, weight and the name of her physician.
State police say that any financial damage to the woman is unknown at this time and that they told her to notify Medicaid.
Troopers urge citizens to review common scams with their family members and, as always, any suspicious activity should be reported to local law enforcement.
Information on how to protect yourself and family members against common forms of Medicaid scams can be found on the United States Federal Trade Commission website.
Here is the official press release from the Indiana County Emergency Management Agency’s Facebook page …
March 10, 2021
Scam Alert: Medicaid Scam
Indiana, PA – Troopers wish to alert the public of a possible scam that targeted a resident of White Twp., Indiana Co.
Earlier today, Troop A, Indiana was contacted by a 75-year-old female who reported that she received a suspicious phone call yesterday and was advised by the caller that she would be receiving free face masks. The resident related that the caller requested her Medicaid identification number, her height, her weight and the name of her primary care physician. The resident did provide the requested information before recognizing the phone call as suspicious.
The caller phoned the resident again today, prompting the resident to hang up the phone and report the incident to the Pennsylvania State Police. Troopers are not aware of the resident having sustained any financial loss; however, she was advised to promptly notify Medicaid of the incident.
Residents are strongly encouraged to discuss common scams with family members and to verify the legitimacy of suspicious phone calls, emails, and text-based communications before providing any personal identifying information. When in doubt, please contact your local law enforcement agency to discuss suspicious activity.
Tips for reporting and protecting yourself against common Medicare scams can be found on the United States Federal Trade Commission website.
Troopers would like to thank this resident and the many others who continue to report possible scams and other suspicious activity in an effort to alert fellow members of their community.
MEDIA CONTACT: TFC. Cliff Greenfield, 724-357-1998 / Twitter: @PSPTroopAPIO Sent from my iPhone
