Illinois SMP Program Fraud Alerts

 

The Illinois SMP Program sends email Fraud Alerts every Friday. These alerts contain fraud-related news articles, information about current scams in Illinois or other parts of the United States, and useful healthcare or fraud-related resources. If you would like to be added to the Illinois SMP Fraud Alert email list, please contact:

Erin Weir, Healthcare Consumer Protection Coordinator

Phone: (800)699-9043, (708)383-0258

TTY: (708)524-1653

Fax: (708)524-0870

erin.weir@ageoptions.org

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Illinois SMP Fraud Alert - April 16, 2010

Dear SMP readers,

Today’s Fraud Alert contains a reminder about a presentation next week by AARP and the National Futures Association. Also, look to the Fraud in the News section for a number of articles about health care fraud and current scams.

On another note, in honor of National Volunteer Appreciation week next week, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to all of our SMP volunteers across the state who make it possible for the Illinois SMP program to reach thousands of Illinois consumers every year with our message of “Protect, Detect, Report.” We couldn’t do this work without you, and we appreciate your dedication!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,


Erin Weir, MSW, LSW, Healthcare Consumer Protection Coordinator

AgeOptions

1048 Lake Street, Suite 300

Oak Park, IL 60301

phone (708)383-0258 fax (708)524-0870

erin.weir@ageoptions.org

ageoptions.org

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Please share this Fraud Alert with colleagues, consumers, or other professionals in your area. If you have any questions about the Illinois SMP program, or to receive these Fraud Alerts directly, please contact Erin Weir, Healthcare Consumer Protection Coordinator at AgeOptions.

What you will find in this week’s Fraud Alert

• Fraud Presentation by the National Futures Association and AARP
• Fraud in the News

Fraud Presentation by the National Futures Association and AARP

The National Futures Association issued the following press release this week to remind consumers about their Money Smart Week presentation next Tuesday, April 20:

National Futures Association and AARP co-sponsor "Operation Fight Fraud" during Money Smart Week

April 12, Chicago - National Futures Association (NFA) and AARP will co-sponsor a seminar that aims to provide individuals with the tools they need to help protect themselves and others from the risk of consumer and investment fraud during the economic downturn. The seminar, "Operation Fight Fraud", will be held on Tuesday, April 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Chicago Authors Room, 7th floor of the Harold Washington Library. The library is located on 400 S. State Street in Chicago, Illinois. The event is one of more than 450 free classes, seminars and activities promoting financial education that will take place during Money Smart Week Chicago (April 17-24).

"Whether it's taking steps to prevent identity theft or checking the background of a firm offering financial products, we all need to be diligent consumers," said NFA Senior Vice President Karen Wuertz. "AARP is a leader in providing valuable consumer protection information and we are proud to co-sponsor this program with them."

During the seminar, an AARP representative will discuss the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighters program which provides tools consumers can use to educate family, friends and neighbors with recognizing and reporting fraud. Immediately following the AARP portion of the program, an NFA representative will provide attendees with advice on how to avoid becoming victims of investment fraud.

"AARP is proud to co-sponsor this program with the National Futures Association," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "Consumers are the first line of defense when it comes to fighting fraud, and we want to make sure consumers have the information they need to avoid becoming a victim."

Anyone wishing to attend the NFA/AARP program may pre-register by calling (312) 781-1371. Pre-registering is preferred but not required.

Coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Money Smart Week offers more than 450 free educational classes, seminars and activities focusing on financial topics for people of all walks of life. For more information and to view the most up-to-date calendar, visit www.moneysmartweek.org/Chicago.

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Fraud In The News

The following are current news articles about health care and fraud issues.

1. “Alert About Two New Medicare Phone Scams” (The Colorado SMP issued an alert this week about phone scams where a caller claims to be calling from Medicare): http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=441850
   
   
   
2. “Cicero Officials Warn Seniors of Medicare Spoofing” (the Attorney General’s Office issued this press release last week about call ‘spoofing’ scams where seniors are being told they need a new Medicare card): http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/6793657.php
   
   
   
3. “St. Louis Podiatrist Given Jail Time for Medicare Fraud”: http://www.kmox.com/St--Louis-podiatrist-given-jail-time-for-Medicare-/6769629
   
   
   
4. “Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ron Klein Unite Against Medicare Fraud” (article about new Medicare fraud legislation proposed in Congress): http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/13/1576934/ileana-ros-lehtinen-ron-klein.html
   
   
   
5. “States Fret Over Health Insurance Scams” (another article about health reform scams that have arisen in recent weeks): http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/insurance/2010-04-12-smartdata_N.htm?csp=DailyBriefing
   
   

   (Note: For more information about health reform scams, see last week’s Fraud Alert on www.illinoissmp.org – click on “Fraud Alerts”)
   

6. “AARP Scam Alert: When Free Credit Reports Aren’t Free”:
   http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourmoney/scamalert/articles/ scam_alert_when_free_credit_reports_are_not_free.1.html
   
   
   
7. “Your Financial Future: Investor, Protect Thyself” (AARP article about the Security and Exchange Commission’s new website resources):
   http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourmoney/retirement/articles/ your_financial_future_investor_protect_thyself.2.html

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Fraud Alerts contain information about current scams taking place in Illinois, announcements and updates about programs or services related to health care and/or fraud protection, and links to news articles about health care and fraud topics. Please forward any recommendations or announcements that you would like to be included in a future Fraud Alert to erin.weir@ageoptions.org.

AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging of Suburban Cook County, is committed to improving the quality of life and maintaining the dignity of older adults and those who care about them – through leadership and support, community partnerships, comprehensive services, accurate information and powerful advocacy.

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