|
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.
 |
 Don't Get Hooked By "Phishing" Scams
Identity thieves are using the Internet to trick people into giving them crucial information such as, Social Security and Medicare numbers, credit card numbers, bank account information and private passwords. There's even a new word for it: "phishing" (pronounced like "fishing"). Once your information is stolen, theives can drain accounts or run up credit card charges.
The "bait" or lure usually is an official-looking letter or e-mail message that appears to be from your bank, your Internet service provider, or some other major company. The message gives some reason why you must send them your account number, password or even Social Security Number - for example to "verify", "validate", or "update" your account, or check on a recent transaction. The message usually sounds persuasive and urgent ("your account will be closed if you don't reply at once.")
Last week ORT has received several reports of phishing emails from imposters posing as Regions Bank (formerly Union Planters) and Microsoft. AOL, eBay, PayPal, CitiBank, Best Buy, UPS, have been used by phishing scam artists in the past.
Tips to avoid being hooked by a "phishing" scam:
- Do not reply to e-mails that ask for your personal information (especially your Social Security or Credit Card numbers). If there's any question, contact the company by telephone at its regular number on your bill.
- Don't send personal information by e-mail - it's just not safe. Use only secure web sites (indicated by a padlock icon or "https" web address.)
- Always examine your account statements for unauthorized charges.
Be on your guard, and do not get caught!
Posted: 2/15/2005
FBI Warns of E-mail Scam
(AP) The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued an alert Monday about a scam involving unsolicited e-mails, purportedly sent by the FBI, that tell computer users that their Internet surfing is being monitored by the agency.
The users are told they have visited illegal Web sites and are instructed to open an attachment to answer questions.
The FBI did not send these e-mails and does not send any other unsolicited e-mails to the public, an agency statement said.
As many harmful computer viruses are located in e-mail attachments, the FBI said it strongly encourages computer users not to open attachments from unknown recipients.
The FBI is investigating the scam. Recipients of these e-mails are asked to report them by visiting the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov.
Posted: 11/23/2005
Beware of the cell phones around you!
Keep a watch out for people standing near you at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, etc., that have a cell phone in hand.
With the new camera cell phones, they can take a picture of your credit card, which gives them your name, number, and expiration date. Also remember to be extra cautious with documents with your Social Security number on it...in most cases your Social Security number is the same as your Medicare number. Remember to take your Social Security number off your checks and drivers license.
Identification theft is one of the fastest growing scams today, and this is just another example of the means that are being used.
So... be aware of your surroundings.
Posted: 02/16/2004
|
|
