The Bradley County Medical Center is warning area residents about scam phone calls that appear to come from BCMC and other trusted organizations.
According to the medical center, scammers are using a technique known as “spoofing,” which allows a caller to make a phone number appear local or appear to belong to a legitimate organization. In one recent instance, a caller reportedly claimed to represent Medicare while using one of BCMC’s phone numbers.
The calls are designed to persuade victims to provide personal information or send money.
BCMC advises residents not to trust caller identification alone, since the number shown on a phone can be falsified. People should never provide passwords, account numbers or other personal information during an unexpected call.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up. If the caller claims to represent a company, government agency or other organization, residents should contact that organization directly using a phone number listed on its official website.
The medical center also reminded the public that legitimate organizations will not pressure people to take immediate action or demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
