Scam using Obamacare to try to steal money, identity

Ahead of the implementation of Obamacare on the first of October we are hearing of a new scam that aims to separate you from your money and your identity.

“Scamsters are calling up people, especially senior citizens, and telling them they’re going to lose their health benefits,” says WOKV Consumer Warrior Clark Howard.

The scam is no surprise to the northeast Florida Better Business Bureau.

"It's a major new government program, it's going to affect everybody's lives in one way or another," says President and CEO Tom Stephens.

Stephens tells our partner Action News that, of course, some will be looking to make a quick buck.

It works like this: you'll get a call from someone claiming to work for the federal government who needs your social security and bank account numbers in order to send you new health insurance cards. If they get that info they can take your money or even your identity.

"The government is never, never, never, almost never going to call you about anything. They're going to send it to you through the U.S. mail," Stephens says.

And Howard warns that no matter how helpful they sound, these scammers are only after your money.

“You should help them to a dial tone- hang up the phone,” Howard says.

Stephens says you can’t even trust caller ID either. Scammers can manipulate them to appear how they want.

Clark Howard has more consumer tips for you every weeknight on WOKV beginning at 9 PM.