Spectrum Health Warns of “Vishing” Scam

There are so many types of scams out there to know these day so if you're wondering what a "vishing" scam is, it's basically voice phishing so one that will [most likely] occur over the phone. This is where the scammer will claim they are from a certain business or organization and try and lure personal information from you. Spectrum Health is now warning people of this kind of scam occurring to their patients.

Recently, people have reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be from Spectrum Health or Priority Health. During these phone calls, the scammer is asking for member ID numbers any other personal health information.

“These are not the type of questions our employees would ask in a legitimate phone call from Spectrum Health or Priority Health,” said Scott Dresen, senior vice president and chief information security officer.

Spectrum Health says that with vishing scammers will either use flattery or threats to get what they want. And to make it even more convincing, the number appearing on your caller ID can be spoofed so even if isn't someone from Spectrum Health calling, it can appear that way.

Dresen says the best option to avoid this is - if a call seems suspicious - is to not answer the phone and let it go to voicemail. I've personally stood by the fact that if I don't know the number calling me (and I'm not expecting a call), I let it go to voicemail. Just remember, if it is something vital, the caller will usually leave a voicemail.

Some tips provided by Spectrum Health to avoid becoming a victim to fraud:

• Never share account passwords. Spectrum Health will never ask for this.
• Do not give out your personal info (birthday, address, or SSN)
• Do not confirm any personal information or place of employment
• Do not give out financial information
• If ever unsure about the person on the other end, ask whom you're speaking to and a number to call them back at.

If you believe you may have accidentally given out personal patient information, contact Spectrum Health Support at (877) 308-5083.

According to a 2019 Internet Crime Report from the FBI, Phishing, Vishing, Smishing (text scam) and Pharming (online fraud involving fake websites or codes) had the most victims out of any other scam with a total of 114,702. This resulted in a loss totaling over $57.8 million.