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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Health Insurance Exchange Calling? No, it’s a scam

AARP Pennsylvania is warning consumers about the latest twist on a health insurance scam.

Here’s how it works.

You get a robocall purporting to be from the Health Insurance Marketplace, saying you need to purchase insurance or pay a fine.

If you do as instructed and “press 1,” an operator will ask for your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, phone number, income information and Social Security number.

The Health Insurance Marketplace doesn’t make robocalls, and they don’t ask for personal information.

These are scammers, and they’re after your personal information.

If you give it to them, they will use it to make purchases and open credit cards in your name.

What you should do:

•If you get a recorded call, hang up. Unless you signed up to receive recorded calls, the call is illegal.

•Don’t press 1 to speak to the operator. This puts you at risk for receiving more calls.

•If you do speak to an operator who asks you for personal information, hang up!

•If you get a call like this, report it to the FTC and warn others on the Fraud Watch Network Scam-tracking map.

Some scammers offer to help you navigate the new health care law, for a fee.

Others will say you need a new Medicare card because of the new health care law.

To learn more about health care scams, visit the FTC’s website.

For more information about other scams, sign up for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

You will receive free email alerts with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud, and gain access to a network of experts, law enforcement and people in your community who will keep you up to date on the latest scams in your area.

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Editor’s note: Jim Palmquist, of Macungie, is the volunteer state president of AARP in Pennsylvania.