PUEBLO WEST, Colorado – This time of year people have the opportunity to make important health care decisions during open enrollment when deciding what their insurance coverage will look like in the future. . Unfortunately, fraudsters seek to get involved. News5 shares an example from here in southern Colorado.
When it comes to looking at health insurance options, the process can be complex and even overwhelming, so if someone randomly calls or emails you to tell you about a discount or your benefits will run out, it’s probably a fraudster.
A Pueblo West family has contacted News5 about their experience, saying that when it comes to health insurance, you’ll want to go directly to a trusted source first.
“When he called he said it was Kaiser and it was Keith from Kaiser, so I figured that was it,” Shirley told News5.
She says she was expecting a call about her health insurance benefits, but it turns out that call was just a problem.
“They also lied to me and said I was going to get a better cost on all my new policy information,” Shirley said.
Thinking she was talking to her real health insurer, she spent a long time on the phone with people she didn’t know. Meanwhile, she admits giving out sensitive information and medical details.
“He transferred me to one of his secretaries and she jotted down the same information,” Shirley said.
Eventually, she sensed something was wrong and called her health insurance provider directly for answers.
“I called Kaiser and they figured it out,” Shirley said. “They said that number you gave us that they gave you and that name is a fraud.”
“In November and December, they really do a full press here,” said “Dr. Fraud” J. Michael Skiba.
He says these calls are happening a lot right now and the scammers have plans for the sensitive information they seek.
“They’re going to try to get you to make a quick decision to engage with them on releasing information,” Skiba said. “So what are they looking for? They are looking for snippets of information about you. They are looking for names, addresses, doctor information, prescription information, medical treatment information. They may actually use it for other impersonation purposes, such as applying for benefits on your behalf.
Shirley shared her experience with her daughter Natalie helping her keep tabs on accounts and the potential for identity theft. Natalie says her mother was right to ask for help.
“Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and you don’t want to say anything because you feel ashamed and hurt, but don’t think that happens to everyone,” Natalie said.
“I do this to help other people realize that they are very vulnerable at this time of year and to be careful,” Shirley said.
Here are some red flags to look for with the Federal Trade Commission to help you know when to hang up when someone calls about health insurance.
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