SCAM ALERT: Phony ACA cards

BEWARE OF PHONE CALLS REGARDING "ACA CARDS"

The Better Business Bureau has reported that consumers are reporting phone calls that claim to be from the government about new health insurance cards required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Scam victims receive a call from someone claiming to be from the federal government. The caller informs victims they have been selected as part of the initial group of Americans to receive insurance cards through the ACA. However, before the caller can mail a card, he or she needs to verify personal information, such as bank account and Social Security numbers.

BEWARE: THERE IS NO "ACA CARD"

Follow these tips:

• Be cautious with your identity. Never give personal information to someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether by phone, email, social media or in person.
• Hang up, don’t press any buttons and don’t call back. Returning the phone call might give the con artist information he can use.
• The government uses regular mail. Government agencies normally communicate through the mail, so be cautious of calls, text messages or emails.
• Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers have technology that lets them display any number or organization name on your screen.
• Keep your personal information to yourself. Never give out personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, date of birth or Social Security numbers to unfamiliar callers.

For more information on the ACA and the Health Insurance Marketplace, go to www.healthcare.gov