If you get an unexpected message saying you owe money for medical services, think twice before you make a payment. BBB Scam Tracker has received reports about phony medical bills and collections departments.
How this scam works
You receive a letter or a call informing you that you owe money on a medical bill. If you follow up, the “billing department” will insist that you need to pay immediately. If you don’t, you will allegedly face consequences, such as fines, damage to your credit score, or even jail time. Eager to settle your debts, you provide your credit or debit card number. But before you pay, the scammer will ask you to confirm your name, address, and other sensitive information, which may include your Social Security or bank account number.
This scam has several versions. In some cases, the bills and medical services are entirely fabricated. For example, one person told BBB Scam Tracker that they “received a medical bill for $500 for Covid testing that supposedly occurred in VA in January. I did a quick look into the business website and the site wasn’t even registered/live until May. I was also out of state (in CA) when it claims I got tested.”
Other times, the doctor’s visit was real, but the company claiming you owe money is a scam. One BBB Scam Tracker report states, “I received a medical bill on 01/18/2023. I called the billing department number on the statement. However, I miss-dialed[sic] the number… and I was re-directed to a possible scam agency.” In this case, the “billing department” asked for the caller’s email, credit card details, birthday, and other personal information. Then, they told the caller they had taken care of the bill and would send an email confirmation. Neither was true.
No matter what pretense the scam uses, giving scammers your personal details puts you at risk for identity theft. Plus, any money you pay them might be lost for good.