TOTALLY GEEKED!

Dear Ed,

A new scam has surfaced, with a threatening twist.
 

• You get a robocall purporting to be from the Health Insurance Marketplace, saying you need to purchase insurance or pay a fine. If you do as instructed and “press 1,” an operator will ask for your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, phone number, income information and Social Security number.

• The Health Insurance Marketplace doesn’t make robocalls, and they don’t ask for personal information. These are scammers, and they’re after your personal information. If you give it to them, they will use it to make purchases and open credit cards in your name.
  

• If you get a recorded call, hang up. Unless you signed up to receive recorded calls, the call is illegal.
   
• Don’t press 1 to speak to the operator this puts you at risk for receiving more calls.
   
• If you do speak to an operator who asks you for personal information, hang up!
   
• If you get a call like this, report it to the FTC and warn others on the Fraud Watch Network Scam-tracking map.

Sincerely,

Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network

P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.