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Slaughter warns of scams

by Marwa
Thu, Jul 14th 2011 12:30 pm

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, NY-28th District, warns Western New Yorkers about a scam meant to trick constituents into passing along credit and debit card information and Social Security numbers. The callers falsely claim that the information is necessary in order to receive their Social Security and Medicare benefits.

 "I want my constituents to know that this is a scam. The federal government would not ask you to give out your Social Security number over the phone. There's just nothing to this," said Slaughter. "At the same time that I'm fighting to keep the benefits of Social Security and Medicare intact, it is outrageous to me that people are using these programs as an excuse to rip off their fellow Americans. If you're unsure about a call you receive claiming to be from the federal government, I implore you to call my office so my staff can assist you."

Slaughter's announcement comes amid reports of calls claiming to be from the National Medical Verification Office, an agency that does not exist. Callers then ask for credit card information, Social Security numbers and other personal information claiming that it is necessary for them to receive their Social Security and Medicare payments. Several of these calls have come from a "347" area code.

Slaughter's district offices have information available on how residents can avoid becoming the victim of this and similar scams.

If you have any questions about a call you receive or believe you have been a victim of a scam, call Slaughter's office at 282-1274 in the Niagara Falls area or 853-5813 in Buffalo.

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