**BEWARE** Scam Alerts **BEWARE**

The following Scam Alerts are posted to remind you that not everyone is looking out for you. You should be mindful that scam artists will use confusion as a tool to steal your money. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone offers to help you, get references.

• MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES URGED TO BE ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR PHONE SCAMS. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) warns seniors and people with disabilities to be aware of a scheme that asks Medicare beneficiaries for money and checking account information to help them enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. This scheme is called the “$299 Ring” for the typical amount of money Medicare beneficiaries are talked into withdrawing from their checking accounts to pay for a non-existent prescription drug plan. Consumers can report these cases to their local law enforcement agencies or 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).
• People receiving Social Security in the Atlanta region are reporting that they are receiving phone calls from a person who says he is with the American Medical Association (AMA). The caller sometimes identifies himself as Mr. Arthur Williams. He states that all senior citizens are required to obtain new Social Security Numbers. Sometimes the caller asks for the Social Security number. At other times, he verifies the bank routing number and asks for the bank account number. In some instances, the caller then transfers them to a recorded message after which the call is disconnected. Efforts to call the phone number back result in getting a busy signal only. The Social Security Administration staff spoke with a representative from AMA who verified that they are a legitimate organization that represents physicians on policy issues in medicine and public health. The AMA representative stated that they do not contact the public for any reason; all their contacts are made to physicians. (Reported by the Atlanta Regional Commission, 2/7/2006).
• IRS Warns of Tax Scams. This sceme involves scam artists using the IRS name and logo when requesting personal information. As a general rule, the IRS does not send out unsolicited e-mails or ask for detailed personal information.
• Be Suspicious About Wiring Money Back After Cashing a Check. FTC Alert, March 2006
• Automatic Debit Scams. FTC Alert
• Tips for double checking a charity when they solicit funds. FTC Alert

Links:

• FTC on Identity Theft
• FTC Consumer Alert page
• Scam Alerts at the Better Business Bureau website
• State of Georgia: Consumer Alerts - Press Releases, Notices and Product Recalls
• National Do Not Call Registry
• Information About Fair Debt Collection Practices

© 2004, Law Office of David L. McGuffey, LLC

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