The Scoop...May 23, 2011
Neil Winget, president of the Better Business Bureau of est Central Ohio, was the featured speaker at the May 23 meeting.
He gave a
history of the BBB and talked about many of the calls the group receives around
Allen County. He also talked about the government.
“We all
complain about things, particularly when it comes to the government. Sometimes,
there are many things for which we can be critical. We should, however, respect
the freedom we have to complain. Believe me, as president of the Better
Business Bureau, I know about complaining! Whatever our feelings about
government, once in a while we get a good deal or something nice in the mail,
like your income tax refund or a rebate check,” said Wingett.
As for the scam
artists, he said they are using the mail, e-mail and the telephone to attempt
to scam unsuspecting seniors who may not know all the details of this
government rebate plan.
Be suspicious if
you receive a phone call, e-mail or letter that:
• Asks for your
Medicare card number (actually, that’s your Social Security number).
• Claims to need
your Social Security number to be able to send your rebate check.
• Says you need
to apply for the $250 rebate check. There’s no application needed; you just get
it if you qualify.
• Wants your bank
account information, such as bank name or account number.
• Tells you to
complete a form to receive the rebate.
• Instructs you to
go to a website other that www.Medicare.gov.
• Asks for money
to cover taxes associated with the rebate check. The $250 is tax-free.
• Tells you to
send money via wire transfer for any reason.
• Claims there is
a problem with the rebate check.
• Tells you that
you can get your check early if you send money.