November, 2006
Fraud Alert in Missouri and Utah    

Rona McNally, the Project Manager for the Missouri SORT Program received a disturbing phone call on November 29, 2006. The woman who called said that a company named “Pharma Bay” contacted her with the some information about a “deal” on medications that would only cost her $389.00. The marketers who called her were out of Las Vegas. She stated that the agent who called her mentioned that new Social Security cards were being issued, but the really interesting part is that they already had her bank information.

The woman stated that she received a packet of information about ordering her medications from Canada. This packet was from the east coast of the United States. She eventually returned the packet and requested a refund of her $389.00, which of course she has not received.

Sallie Richardson, Project Director of the Senior Medicare Patrol Project at Utah Legal Services, reported a similar situation happening to a senior in her state. The senior was contacted by a person claiming “pay us $389.00 and all your worries will be over; you will have lifetime Medicare and never have to pay another premium!”

Consumers need to be aware that these types of scams are out there. If you feel you have been contacted by a fraudulent company or have given money or any of your identifying numbers (Social Security number, Medicare number, Medicaid number, or bank account information) please contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol Project to report a fraud alert.