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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office wishes to pass on information regarding one of the latest consumer scams targeting consumers across the state.According to Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler consumers should be on the lookout for a scam which seeks to steal personal information over the phone by using the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Federal Health Care Reform) as a ploy.

Under this scam, consumers are asked to verify or provide personal information such as a social security number or a bank account number in order to receive a new Medicare card. No such verification program exists.Once the thief obtains the supplied information he/she can use the information to commit identity theft, charge existing credits cards, deplete bank accounts, write fraudulent checks or take out loans in the consumer’s name.

“This con is another attempt of thieves to prey upon elderly or younger individuals with disabilities.We are asking all consumers be mindful of these types of scams and never divulge personal or financial information over the phone.” (Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron)

Consumers who have Caller ID and receive these unsolicited calls should write down the caller's number and contact local law enforcement or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023.To file a complaint online, go to http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/complaint.htm

Consumers who believe they are victims of identity theft should contact Maryland Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit at 410-576-6491.For more information is available on-line at http://www.oag.state.md.us/idtheft/index.htmConsumers may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).