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Let these calls go to voicemail. Do not call any number back that you don’t know.
I hate scam text messages too!
My understanding is that if the target (you) agrees, the caller then asks for your Medicare number, and orders something allegedly on your behalf, but which is delivered to them, and resold. In the meantime they've tricked Medicare into paying for the item, by using your Medicare number.
I haven't gone through this, but someone else battles these people and shares the information she gets.
Please everyone: fill out your caller IDs for the people, places and organizations you know and trust. All other calls just let go to voicemail. If it is important (like a lab or your doctor's office) you can return those calls and then add them to your caller ID. But if you're not expecting a call and a fishy message is left, don't respond or call back ever. When you answer and even just say "hello" and then hang up, they then know they have a valid number with a potential victim at the other end and they will continue to call you. Often they leave messages meant to scare you into calling back.
My cell I have set up on "Do not Disturb". On my Samsung this is the only way I can get where only those people on my contact list ring thru all others go to VM where I delete them. Most just hang up one a recording starts. My LG had a special place for this. If you continue to get calls from the same number, block them.
If not sure about a call or an email, hang up and call the company directly.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/scammers-cash-covid-19-vaccination-confusion
One of the bullet items says "Don’t pay to sign up for the vaccine. Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer."
IF it's a cell phone, there are ways to report and/or block these numbers.
Generally I do not answer ANY calls if they are not in my contact list and/or I'm not expecting a call back from someone who might not be in my contact list. A few times my phone was being stupid, not dismissing the call and I was rather busy, so it annoyed me enough that I ended up answering it, but not with any nice greeting.... :-o just a few repeated choice words and THEN hung up.
If you still have the phone number in your caller ID, you should report it to the police!
I'm in no rush. I've read about people with serious allergic reactions, so my preference at this time is sign me up for the best antibody test to see if I've been exposed. Doesn't negate wearing a mask, etc, but I would skip the vaccination.
For the record, I'm not anti-vaccine, but the last major sting I had, it took about 2 weeks for the all over hives to kick in (large welt remained there the whole time and beyond the hives. Allergist poo-pooed the idea, until they tested me.)
Just staying for a little while after the shot doesn't comfort me. If I had a delayed reaction later, I have no one to help me!
ANY time you get a call and they ask for ANY personal info (SS#, Medicare #, account numbers, DOB, mother's maiden name, birthplace, whatever), something only those you know personally might have any need for (mostly not), clam up or give them SS# 800-46-3968
(800-GO-FYOU!)
If they leave a message with a call back number and you do any kind of business with the "supposed" caller, look up the actual number and call them, as JulianaMoon did. Many will attempt to "spoof" your bank or CC companies, phishing for information. DENY THEM!
(one of my replies to another comment has links for reporting - only report the numbers the person or message provides, as the Caller ID # is probably fake/spoofed.)
Many years ago, before Caller ID and messaging, my son messed with a caller trying to sell newspaper - he told them he was blind...
I do feel bad for those who had legit jobs to call, like this paper caller, but it became such a problem, that it was easier to react nasty to them than just say no, esp when those you say no to nicely continue to push. What part of NO THANKS don't you understand!!!
Thanks to Caller ID being more or less universal (older phones won't have the features needed), better screening tools forced onto providers, etc, it's easier to just ignore calls. For me, not in my contact list, BEGONE call! I dismiss it.
She does not have caller id or voice mail. We have tried it, but the technology is too new for her. When she could learn things more easily she did not want these as "too complicated" now she finds it too difficult to learn new things. We sisters think that we are lucky that her natural skepticism keeps her from falling prey to the various scams out there.
It isn't likely this will happen. At least one vaccine has to be kept at such an extremely cold temperature that doc offices wouldn't have the capability. Home visits even less likely. The easiest way for gov't to get vaccines to more people is at concentrated sites.
Doc office *might* contact you if 1) you're eligible and 2) they are having a site set up near you. Otherwise, the state is likely your best source for times/locations and tools to sign up.
"In that case they would identify themselves and name her doctor." - yes, they would identify themselves, but see above.
"We sisters think that we are lucky that her natural skepticism keeps her from falling prey to the various scams out there."
This works... until it doesn't. My mother was still fairly skeptical, but then again in the last few years she lived in her own place her hearing was bad, she'd misplace the hearing aid or forget to put batteries in, so many times she would just miss the calls! I wouldn't rely totally on her being skeptical.
What they WON'T do is initiate any discussion by phone. If you haven't contacted them first and the call claims to be from them, it isn't.