FTC warns of telemarketing scam that involves health-care act

Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that scammers use the Affordable Care Act as a ploy to pry personal information from individuals.

FTC says to watch out for unsolicited phone calls or email from individuals who say they are from the federal government and have to verify person information as part of the health-care-reform law. FTC says the scam requests include inquiries about your bank account, Medicare ID or Social Security number.

If you get such a call or email, FTC advises you to hang up the phone or delete the message. Individuals who believe that they received a call that’s related to this scam should call 877/382-4357 or go to ftc.gov to file a complaint.

FTC says the government doesn’t ask consumers to verify personal information over the phone or via email.