UnitedHealthcare issues scam alert

UnitedHealthcare today issued a scam alert in response to reports of a number of calls attempting to solicit personal information from railroad workers.
An email from Gail Snopkowski, senior service account manager of railroad accounts for UnitedHealthcare, to SMART TD said “several” railroad members have received unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from the insurer.
“Be assured that UnitedHealthcare is not involved in any such activity, and the phone number being used by the caller has been identified as a SCAM,” Snopkowski said in the email.
The alert from UnitedHealthcare identifies fake calls from 678-384-4965 as coming from a Georgia area code and telling members to call 888-315-7524 and ask for “UnitedHealthcare options.” Fake calls also were reported to UnitedHealthcare as coming from a Tennessee area code.
“UnitedHealthcare does not place calls to members asking them for their Social Security number. Do not provide any information to these callers,” the alert said.
The alert also provided tips to avoid this and similar scams:

• If you receive an unexpected call or text from any area code/phone number you don’t recognize, never answer it. If it’s someone with a legitimate inquiry, they will call back or leave a message.
• If you do answer it and you believe the call is suspicious, call the Member Services number on the back of your medical ID card to speak with a customer service representative.
• Always be sure to review your phone bill carefully and contact your carrier about any suspicious charges.
• If you or someone you know becomes a victim of a phone scam, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission under the “For Consumers” tab.