With AI infiltrating not only the workspace but also our personal lives, it is more important than ever to stay vigilant. Recently, we have had an uptick in cold calling scams assisted by AI.
Cold calling means making unsolicited visits or phone calls to someone who is not a current client, in an attempt to sell goods or services.
AI has given scammers a leg up in the game. Many reported scammers have been targeting a person’s medical records and have gained access (through AI) to their recent medical history as well.
Here is an example of a cold calling scam:
Amanda has been on an UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Medicare Advantage Plan through her adviser Mr. Jones for over 10 years. She has enjoyed having him as her adviser and believes he does a great job each year of reviewing the plans to ensure she’s on the most suitable one. Recently she had a stint in the hospital due to unknown diabetic issues. Upon being released home, she received a call from a person claiming to be a representative of UHC. They had all her personal information, not only about her current plan coverage, but also about her very recent stay in the hospital. This caller said that since Amanda has been diagnosed with diabetes, she now qualifies for a special needs plan through UHC. They proceed to sign Amanda up for this new plan while reassuring her that Mr. Jones will still be her agent of record.
The person who called Amanda bought a list using AI of local people who have had recently stayed in the hospital and were over age 65. These lists are available through data leaks of medical records and other personal information. Even though the person who called Amanda had her name on a list, they are guilty of cold calling because she was not a current member under their book of business. The call to Amanda was unsolicited and fraudulent. Several false statements were made like the caller being a representative of UHC and that Amanda would stay under Mr. Jones’ book of business after signing up for this new plan with the caller.
How can you avoid the headache of getting scammed?
- Never give out your personal information over the phone, whether it be phone call or text.
- Remember that UHC will only call you to set up an annual home wellness visit, ALL other communications from UHC are sent via the mail.
- If you are on the fence on whether it is a scam phone call, ask for a call back number, then call your trusted adviser (Mark or Samantha Kissell) to confirm.
Contact our team today for any other questions or concerns, we are always here to help!
