Consumers warned over healthcare scam

[TexasStooge]

By DEBBIE DENMON / WFAA ABC 8

Complaints are pouring in to the Better Business Bureau and these workers are on alert for the newest telephone scam.

The caller claims to be from the Texas Health Department and offers a $1,000 shopping spree and free health insurance.

"The real purpose is to get your personal information about your bank account or credit card so they can put unauthorized charges on your accounts," says Jeannette Kopko from BBB Communications.

Back in July, Walmart's name was used in a similar telephone scam. The caller offered a phony $500 shopping spree, when Walmart is making no such offer.

An offer Lisa Bryant would never fall for but her children did, since mom was at work.

"Both the kids were home - they're both minors and the kids were calling me every day and saying 'mom, a telemarketer called and said we could win $500,' " said Lisa Bryant, a consumer.

Bryant's teenaged daughter gave Bryant's checking account information to the bogus company, which later tried to draft more than $100.

"I had a long talk with my kids and said: 'look everything that glitters is not gold that was just a gimmick to get you interested,'" said Bryant.

The Better Business Bureau hopes to educate others, especially during the holidays.

"They've been spending more money on gifts, parties, and decorations so they may be looking for a little bit extra income, may fall for it just because of that," says Jeannette Kopko.