FTC Warns of Scam Involving SCOTUS Obamacare Ruling

I’ve gotten a couple email scams on this already, but the FTC is warning about scammers soliciting your personal information over the phone.

The Hill:

Federal trade regulators warned Friday that scam artists are using the healthcare law to ask for consumers’ personal information over the phone.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said that the illegal activity began after the Supreme Court ruled on June 28 to uphold the vast majority of the law.

Scam artists “say they’re from the government” and use the Affordable Care Act as a hook to verify information, according to an FTC alert.

“They might have the routing number from your bank, and then use that information to get you to reveal the entire account number,” the alert stated. “Or, they’ll ask for your credit card or Social Security number, Medicare ID, or other personal information.”

Regulators urged consumers not to give out personal or financial information after unsolicited contact from someone who says they are with the government.

“If someone who claims to be from the government calls and asks for your personal information, hang up. It’s a scam,” the alert stated.

You might think it impossible that anyone would fall for a scam like this, but thousands will. Most of the victims are the elderly, but others are trapped as well. Suffice it to say that you should never give out personal information over the phone. And when online, make sure you know the vendor or financial institution before submitting any information.