SMH issues warning of phone "spoofing" scam

Officials with Slidell Memorial Hospital are issuing a warning to local residents: a phone “spoofing” scam has been reported this afternoon in which the caller ID indicates the call is coming from SMH and, when the call is answered, the caller identifies themselves as an SMH employee and offers an insurance product. Be aware the calls are scams and are not being made by SMH.

SMH officials also want to remind anyone receiving such a call to never give out personal information over the phone and to wait for a bill or notice in writing before making any payments. SMH does not have a telemarketing department and does not sell such products.

If you receive a call with the Slidell Memorial Hospital caller ID that sounds suspicious, hang up and call SMH at 985-280-2200.

SMH offers the following tips about this recent phone scam:

• If you have never been a patient at SMH, or are not currently scheduled for a medical procedure, it is unlikely that you would be receiving a call from SMH.
• If you are an SMH patient (or a patient at one of SMH’s physician practices) and you are unsure as to why you would receive a call from SMH, hang up and call the hospital’s main line (985-280-2200); ask to be connected to the department or physician practice.

The Federal Communications Commission offers these tips:

• You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be careful about responding to ANY request for personal identifying information.
• Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.
• If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency seeking personal information, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book or on the company's or government agency's website to verify the authenticity of the request.
• Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately.