BBB warns of scam calls claiming to be from Opelousas General Health System

The Better Business Bureau of Acadiana is issuing what they are calling an "urgent alert" about scam phone calls that are claiming to be from Opelousas General Health System.

The scammers are targeting elderly patients.  They scammers claim to be from a local medical center and inquire about calling a toll free number, 1 (866) 536-2405.  They want personal information like:

• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Credit card number
• PIN numbers and/or
• They request prescription numbers or information related to payment of a bill

The BBB says the number should be red flag for you, and any number or person wanting your personal information.

Opelousas General Health System wants the public to know that they do not make calls of this kind asking for personal information.

The Better Business Bureau of Acadiana says the safety approach if you get any call asking for your personal information is to just hang up the phone.

OGHS spokeswoman Deanna Lejeune says the hospital is aware of the scam, and she says the scammers, many with heavy accents, tend to badly mispronounce “Opelousas.”

So how do you avoid any scam?  Here is what the BBB suggests:

• Start with Trust®. Check with the BBB before doing business.
• Do not give out any personal or financial information over the phone to any unknown caller.
• Do not provide or confirm any bank account, credit card, medical information or other personal information over the phone until you have confirmed the legitimacy of the call.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online if the caller is abusive, uses threats or otherwise violates federal telemarketing laws.

The BBB of Acadiana services the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry and Vermilion.