Scammers Using ACA (Affordable Care Act) To Pry Out Information

Scammers are trying to lure the public into giving up their personal information by claiming they have been selected to be among the first to receive insurance cards through the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare. In reality the scammers just want enough information to commit identity theft. A spokesman for "Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Jim Quiggle, indicated that spammer's main objecive is to steal financial information to loot your bank accounts. According to several consumer organizations, people nationwide, especially seniors, have been receiving scam phone calls frm slick salespeople posing as federal government workers. The solicitors tells the people they are eligible for national health reform insurance cards and they just need to give out some personal information to get signed up, according to the BBB and the FTC. The solicitors typically ask for Social Security and bank account numbers. Most will warn seniors to act now or face jail. One reason scammers are able to con people is that many consumers know so very little about the ACA. (Personally I feel that holds true for several members of congress as well). Confusion is the scammer's best friend. The less people know, the more the scammers will be able to explore that knowlege gap. Scammers will use the term ObamaCare to help convince people to hand over vital financial information.  You folks that actually follow my blog entries need to know that ***there is no enrollment and no insurance card until October 1.***  Coverage is scheduled to begin on Jan 1, 2014.  Sharing personal financial information with a scammer puts you at risk for identity theft, as scammers use the info they obtain to open credit cards in your name or steal from your bank account. A few tips in case you get a scam call..

1.  Hang up. Don't engage in a conversation with the caller. Don't press buttons to talk to someone as this tells the scammers they have a working number.

2. The government generally doesn't call, text or e-mail. It uses mail. It should already have your basic personal information (address & social security #)

3.  Don't trust what it says on your caller ID...Scammers ca alter the number displayed on your screen (spoofing).

4. Don't give out personal info, period.

5. Consumers can file a complaint online at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

Until next time good people...Peace