Scam targets Medicaid clients

Medicaid clients in Wyoming are experiencing another attempted scam this year, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).

This time around, the caller is attempting to gather personal information and appears to be fraudulently attempting to sell medical equipment and services.

"A client reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be from a department program that doesn't actually exist. The caller was pushing medical equipment and aggressively asking for personal information," said Lee Grossman, state Medicaid agent and Division of Healthcare Financing senior administrator, in a press release.

This is not the first time scammers have targeted Medicaid clients. Last year, for example, Wyomingites reported receiving text messages and calls threatening that their coverage would be cancelled unless they made payments of $500.

Once again, WDH is cautioning state residents to be cautious if they receive an unexpected call.

WDH and legitimate department contractors will sometimes make calls or send messages with information or for valid surveys.

However, these calls will not seek money or ask for any of your personal information, such as department identification number or social security number. WDH cautions that you should never share any financial information with someone who calls claiming to be from Wyoming Medicaid or the department itself.

WDH also does not try to sell equipment or services.

"If someone claiming to represent Wyoming Medicaid or another Wyoming Department of Health program pushes for money and tries to sell you something, they are not a real representative of our department," Grossman said. "Rather, they are more likely attempting to make you a crime victim."