Police are warning Nebraska residents of a phone scam involving an unidentified caller posing as a Columbus (Neb.) Community Hospital bill collector, according to KWBE Radio.
According to police, two Columbus residents received phone calls from a telephone number reportedly registered to Columbus Community Hospital. The caller asked residents for their credit card information to collect payment on an outstanding hospital bill. After one of the residents refused to provide their information, the caller allegedly attempted to gather the individual's personal information to create a credit card account, according to the article.
Police outlined a number of safety precautions residents should incorporate to protect themselves and their personal information, including:
- Not to trust anyone calling to ask for money
- Not to trust caller ID information
- Not to click on email communications from unknown senders
- Not to cash a check you are not expecting without thoroughly investigating the sender
- Verify any report of a loved one in trouble or in danger before attempting to help them
- Never provide personal information to somebody on the phone. If the call appears legitimate, call the number on the most recent billing statement