Phone scam threatens personal identities

MILFORD - State Rep. Jerry Birmelin (R-Wayne/Pike/Monroe) has issued a warning for residents after learning of a phone scam involving callers who claim to be representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. According to department officials, callers inform residents that the family was selected to receive a discount on health care items and a $1,000 shopping spree. At that time, the callers ask for personal and bank information in order to send the special offer. “All Pennsylvanians need to protect their personal and financial information by not giving it out over the phone to unknown solicitors,” Birmelin said. Any residents who may have disclosed personal or bank information to these callers should contact their bank to alert them about the potential for fraudulent activity and contact all credit bureaus to place a fraud watch on their account. The Department of Health stated that it does not solicit bank information over the phone. Those who have received this bogus telephone call or receive one in the future, can visit www.attorneygeneral.gov or call 800-441-2555 to file a complaint with the attorney general’s office.