Phishing for info, and military insurance

The Scam Squad received information from a concerned resident about a notification to renew information on the Do-Not-Call list.
There needs to be clarification so that you are not part of this phishing scam. Once you are on this list, you are on until you notify the organization that you wish to have your name removed. No need to renew.

Once again, the fraudsters are phishing for your personal information; hang up the phone or delete the email.

While discussing “do not call,” information has been received about three area codes that you should ignore if they come up on your caller ID. You will receive a recorded message on your phone telling you that some important matter regarding a family member needs your attention. AT&T and Snopes verify that this is a scam. Do not call back area codes 809, 284 or 876. Instead, call a relative and inquire as to the welfare of other family members. Remember to tell them that you received a call from a suspected scammer. They should be made aware of the fraudster’s trick to have you call a number that will charge you by the minute, keeping you on the line as long as possible to incur a large charge to your phone bill.

Don't call back

As previously reported, never call back an unknown phone number, such as one that rang briefly and did not leave a message. This can happen on your cell phone as well as your land line. Calling back the unknown number will add charges to your phone bill. The phone company does not screen a business to see if it is legitimate and will drop the scammer only if there are enough complaints. Ask yourself: If it is so important, shouldn't they leave a message or call back?

The Scam Squad received a warning from a reliable retired military source. Apparently, the caller knew his name and that his secondary insurance is TRICARE (veterans insurance). He was told of many offers for medical equipment that he was entitled to due to his military service. He immediately recognized the ruse and hung up. He asked that we warn other retired military members to recognize this phishing expedition for what it is: a ploy to get more information! It may come as a phone call or an email. The link that you are requested to respond to might begin with ru---Russia! Another foreign country that wants your military retirement dollars may try to “spoof” it (change it to their initial) now that you are able to recognize the sender.