DARLINGTON - At least two Lafayette County residents have received phone solicitations from callers claiming to be with the federal Medicare program, according to the sheriff's department.
In both cases, the caller said a new Medicare card is being issued but cannot be processed until the person reveals the name of his or her bank.
This is a scam, says Sheriff Scott Pedley. In a statement released Tuesday, Jan. 17, he writes: "The fact is, personnel from the Medicare program would not conduct business via the telephone. Additionally, we are informed by staff at Lafayette County Human Services that replacement Medicare cards are not being issued at this time.
"We are urging our area residents to never provide personal information via the telephone to anyone who calls claiming to be from the government or any other entity."
Pedley says callers are likely to be very convincing. He suggests that anyone who receives such a call simply hang up or tell the caller to communicate via U.S. mail.
In both cases, the caller said a new Medicare card is being issued but cannot be processed until the person reveals the name of his or her bank.
This is a scam, says Sheriff Scott Pedley. In a statement released Tuesday, Jan. 17, he writes: "The fact is, personnel from the Medicare program would not conduct business via the telephone. Additionally, we are informed by staff at Lafayette County Human Services that replacement Medicare cards are not being issued at this time.
"We are urging our area residents to never provide personal information via the telephone to anyone who calls claiming to be from the government or any other entity."
Pedley says callers are likely to be very convincing. He suggests that anyone who receives such a call simply hang up or tell the caller to communicate via U.S. mail.