Protect yourself from fraudulent medical bills.
Have you ever received a call demanding immediate payment for a hospital bill? This could be a scam! Hospital bill scams are a serious threat, and Filipino citizens need to be aware of how to protect themselves.
How Hospital Bill Scams Work:
- Urgent Threats: Scammers will pressure you to pay immediately, often using threats of fines, damage to your credit score, or even jail time.
- Fake Information: They may claim you owe money for services you never received, or they may inflate the cost of legitimate services.
- Personal Information Theft: Their ultimate goal is to steal your personal information, such as your credit card number, Social Security number, or bank account details.
Here's How to Stay Safe:
- Don't Pay by Phone: Legitimate hospitals will send you a paper bill before demanding payment. Never give your financial information over the phone to someone who calls you.
- Verify the Information: If you're unsure about a bill, hang up and contact the hospital directly to verify the information. You can find the hospital's phone number on their website or a previous bill.
- Beware of Unusual Payment Methods: Legitimate hospitals won't ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. These are common red flags of a scam.
Report Scams and Get Help:
- Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ANCG): Report scams to the ANCG by visiting their website
https://www.cybersecurityintelligence.com/philippine-national-police-anti-cybercrime-group-pnp-acg-4731.html - Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC): For more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft, you can visit the ITRC website
https://www.idtheftcenter.org/
By following these simple tips, you can protect yourself from hospital bill scams and keep your personal information safe.