Bay County Health Dept. Warns of “Spoofing” Phone Scam

The Bay County Health Department is warning of scam phone calls that have been received from someone using the Health Department’s name and phone numbers. The calls have been received all over Michigan and even outside the state. The individuals are displaying the health department’s information on caller ID and attempting to get Medicare insurance or other sensitive information.

The Bay County Health Department says the calls are not being made by any of its staff and legitimate calls from them would never ask for personal or financial information over the phone. The health department is working with the county’s IT department to resolve the issue.

In the meantime, they have issued the following reminders for the public:

•       Do not provide any personal or financial information over the phone in these situations.
•       Use caution if you are being pressured by a caller for information immediately.
•       If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency, verify the authenticity of the caller by confirming their phone number in the phone book or on the company or agency’s website.
•       And most importantly, never give out personal information over the phone, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, your mother’s maiden name or passwords to an unsolicited caller or if you are at all suspicious.