Hospital warns of nationwide phone scam targeting residents

Contributed Article/Courtesy MGRMC

SAFFORD – Your Mount Graham Regional Medical Center (MGRMC) has been notified of recent scam calls to Gila Valley residents.  These scammers pose as hospital employees and attempt to steal personal information from unsuspecting patients and caregivers. Follow the tips below to protect your personal information and keep your hard-earned money safe.

•             Don’t rely on area codes or caller ID to determine if a caller is trustworthy. Scammers will often call with an area code that will look familiar to victims or match up with their phony backstory. Modern technology makes it possible for individuals to manipulate caller ID, fooling the system into displaying that the number belongs to a hospital.

•             Know that MGRMC officials will never call you to ask for sensitive information. Be wary of anyone asking for your Social Security number, bank account information, or financial details. When in doubt, hang up and contact MGRMC directly to find out if they require any information or payment from you.

•             If you receive a suspicious call, notify MGRMC. If someone is impersonating hospital staff and attempting to defraud patients, report it to MGRMC at 1-800-664-3509.   We can issue a warning through the media and our partners, preventing scammers from successfully deceiving their victims.

This most recent wave of scams is a reminder to always be vigilant when speaking with unknown callers. By remembering these tips and sharing them with your friends and family, you can help curb the tide of hospital phone scams, keep your money in your pocket, and ensure that your personal information stays protected.