VA Warns of Telephone Prescription Scam

[CAS3]

:emark: VA Warns of Telephone Prescription Scam



WASHINGTON (Oct. 19, 2005) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is
warning veterans not to give credit card numbers over the phone to
callers claiming to update VA prescription information.



"Some unscrupulous scammers have targeted America's veterans, especially
our older veterans," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of
Veterans Affairs. "VA does not call veterans and ask them to disclose
personal financial information over the phone."



The latest scam, currently centered in the Midwest, comes from callers
who identify themselves as working for the "Patient Care Group." They
say VA recently changed procedures for dispensing prescriptions and ask
for the veteran's credit card number.



"VA has not changed its processes for dispensing prescription
medicines," Nicholson said. "And we've definitely not changed our
long-standing commitment to protect the personal information of our
veterans."



Veterans with questions about VA services should contact the nearest VA
medical center or call, toll-free, 1-877-222-8387.

[JAMarine]

You're the GREATEST Young Lady.

I look forward to the day we meet again.

Thank you so much for keeping us Disabled Vet's out of trouble.

rich

[thedrifter]

October 19, 2005
VA warns of prescription scam
By Karen Jowers
Times staff writer

Department of Veterans Affairs officials are warning veterans and their family members about a new fraud tactic that is making the rounds.

Veterans have reported getting calls from people identifying themselves as part of the “Patient Care Group” and claiming that VA prescriptions are now being dispensed through them.

Veterans are told they must provide credit card information if they want to continue receiving their prescriptions, according to a fraud alert issued by the VA Midwest Health Care Network.

VA has not changed its process for receiving and dispensing prescriptions, the alert states. Veterans should contact their local VA medical facility if they have questions about VA prescriptions or services.

Fraud alerts have been issued through VA hospitals nationwide warning that no one connected with the VA would call a veteran and ask for a credit card number for any reason.

While the scam seems to be focused on the Midwest, it could happen anywhere. Veterans and their family members, especially older veterans who may not be as cautious with such phone calls, should remain vigilant, a VA official said.

The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to refuse to give their credit card numbers or other personal information over the telephone unless they have initiated the phone call and are confident they are dealing with a reputable business. Anyone who has given this information to such a caller, and is concerned about possible illegal use of their personal data, should contact their credit card company and the FTC at www.ftc.gov to report the possible fraud.

Ellie