Inside Mesa

Senior citizens are asked to be aware of callers posing to be from Medicare to get personal information.The Safe Senior Program through the Mesa PD Crime Prevention Unit tells us that Attorney General Terry Goddard warns seniors to beware of callers who say they represent Medicare offering a new Medicare card. They will ask for bank account information and perhaps other personal information - it’s a scam! Medicare is not allowed to ask for personal information over the phone.A similar call says they are from the "National Medical Office", notifing you that your card is no longer valid and offer you a low-discount Medicare card. They may even threaten you with statements that you’ll lose your benefits and ask for bank account information, social security card, or birthdate. Another false representation to gather information from you.If you suspect a fraudulant call - please contact Terry Goddard’s office at 602-542-5763 or the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHSTIPS. To file a complaint on-line with the attorney general go to www.azag.gov We all need to be careful - those wishing to steal go to the vulnerable because it’s easier. They use things that are needed most like health insurance. Get a name, street address, and phone number to follow up on whether those calling you are authentic.