COMMUNITY ALERT: Protecting Patients From Scammers

ROLLA, Mo. – Phelps Health is warning the community about an increase in phone scams involving individuals impersonating Phelps Health staff. These fraudulent callers may pressure patients to make payments or share sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers or bank details.
“Over the past year, we’ve received increasing reports from our community about patients being targeted by scammers posing as Phelps Health employees,” said Dan Dunstedter, director of data security at Phelps Health. “Patients are being pressured to make payments or provide personally identifiable information over the phone. The scammers may reference Phelps Health services to sound legitimate.”
These scams may also include threats of arrest, denial of future medical care or debt collection. In some instances, callers claim that a loved one is in the emergency department and needs immediate payment to receive treatment.
Scam Warning Signs

• Demands for payment, especially for services not recognized
• Requests for unusual payment methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
• Pressure to act immediately, not allowing time to think or verify claims
• Requests for full Social Security numbers, bank details or credit card numbers
• Aggressive behavior or threats of arrest or denial of care
• Calls outside of normal business hours