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Most
health care providers are honest and are providing the best care
they can, but the small number who aren't find ways to steal billions
of dollars from the health care system each year. Even more is lost
to errors in billing that are never found. Below you will find current
scams that are happening right here in Iowa.
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 WORK FROM HOME SCAM:
A correspondent for the Ottumwa Courier wrote a lengthy and descriptive newspaper story of her scam experience, which started as “simply” answering an Internet survey about a part-time work opportunity. She was contacted by a Phoenix company who explained an initial charge for “training.” She decided to pursue it, authorized a credit card charge, then received paperwork in the mail, including a W-9 form asking for her Social Security number. She had more phone contacts, now with new, surprising information about how she would have to invest $4,000 - $7,000 for advertising for her “business.” She did give out her bank account information and after reflecting on the series of events, decided to stop any debits from her account. She reached her bank before any withdrawal occurred and closed accounts. Before long, her bank did receive a request to withdraw money but were able to deny it, since she’d closed her account. It was sophisticated operation and the AARP Consumer Protection department warns that this is a common scam, with undisclosed charges and dishonest claims of the income that will be earned. Here is the link for the complete story http://www.ottumwa.com/archivesearch/local_story_352175035.html.
Posted: 02/18/2008
“CONSUMERS PUBLISHING HOUSE”:
A northeast Iowa woman brought information about a bogus sweepstakes to a senior center. She received a letter and a check for $4,822.00. The envelope had Canadian postage and told her she was a grand prize winner of the “Consumers Sweepstakes Draw” for “one million dollars in USD funds.” The letter instructed her to call to claim her prize and that the $4,822.00 was “to pay for all taxes due,” but that she should call before she cashed the check. She went to her bank, they examined the check, made some calls and advised her it was fraudulent. She then contacted her county sheriff’s office. The check was drawn on “Savings Bank of Wapole, Keene, NH.”
Posted: 02/18/2008
AUTO WARRANTY CALLS: We've received many reports from around the state and country, of aggressive telemarketing calls offering to sell auto warranties. A recent report from the Sioux City area included the fact that the call was received late in the evening. Telemarketers are subject to FTC (Federal Trade Commission) regulations, including a prohibition from calling before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM local time. To file a complaint with the FTC about calls outside of these hours, you can use the website at www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
Posted: 02/06/2008
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