(WWJ) Stay vigilant, Michigan officials say, as they warn residents about the latest phone scam.
According to Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon, scammers have been calling Michiganders posing as public health officials.
Several area health departments – including Macomb County, Livingston County, Washtenaw County, Central Michigan, Chippewa, Kent, Midland Mid-Michigan and Ottawa – have received reports from residents about calls from unknown people seeking personal information that could be used to steal someone's identity.
The callers claim to be from a local health department or Medicare, officials say -- and even appear to be calling from health department phone numbers.
Anyone who receives one of these calls should hang up the phone immediately.
"Scammers use every tool they have to take advantage of anyone they can," Nessel said, in a media release. "It's important residents remember they should never give personal and confidential information to unsolicited callers. Simply hang up and report the call to our office."
"Local public health and Medicaid officials will not call you and request account information, Social Security numbers or passwords over the phone," Gordon added.
The warning comes during National Consumer Protection Week.
To make a report about these, or any other suspected scam calls, Michiganders can call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388. Complaints may also be filed via an online form at this link.
