Callers seek info for fraud

Moses Lake police offer advice to avoid theft

MOSES LAKE - Be cautious when giving personal information over the phone.

Citizens are receiving phone calls from people falsely identifying themselves as a representative with a hospital, Moses Lake Police Capt. Jim Jenkins said. They are requesting information over the phone the hospital would not ask for, including Social Security numbers and bank account information, he said.

The only time the hospital would call is for the pre-admitting process and to confirm appointments, said Scott Campbell, vice president of planning and development at Samaritan Hospital.

Typically a hospital representative will call a patient to verify name spelling, a phone number, an address and some insurance information, Campbell said.

The hospital does not request bank account information and a Social Security number is not required over the phone, he added. People always have the right to refuse information over the phone because it can be done in person at the hospital.

When a patient receives a phone call from the hospital, the representative will identify themselves and the hospital they are with, Campbell said. When a representative is confirming information with the patient, they usually have the information in front of him rather than a need for it.

To protect yourself against fraud, Jenkins offers a few tips.

If it does not feel comfortable, do not provide personal information over the phone, he said. Do not provide information to businesses or organizations you do not affiliate with. If someone is unsure about the phone call they are receiving, they can call the entity identified and confirm the information needed.