Please be aware of possible scam calls now circulating in our area. The following are examples that we have been alerted to. Some area residents have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to represent the electric company demanding immediate payment or face disconnection. The callers have gone further to threaten that a service technician is either standing by or close in proximity to turn the electricity off. Be aware that the telephone numbers that the callers are using are NOT of the electric company and DO NOT release any personal details or provide payment. If in doubt of the validity of the call, hang up and call the toll free number on your electric bill. In reported cases, the electric company has confirmed that it is a scam. Other scam calls have been reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as follows: Virginia SMP Medicare Fraud Alert Beware of 1-800 Medicare SPOOF Calls The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed that the 1-800 MEDICARE telephone number is being used as part of a telephone spoofing scam. These scammers represent themselves as Medicare representatives and can alter the appearance of the caller ID to make it seem as if the call is coming from 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The scammer may use various tactics to obtain or verify the beneficiary’s personal information, such as their new Medicare number. It is important to know that CMS will not use 1-800 MEDICARE to make outgoing calls and individuals should not answer calls from 1-800 MEDICARE. If you have given out personal identifying information accidently, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and request a new number. Let the 1-800 Customer Service Representative know you feel you were scammed. Tips: • Medicare will not call you to verify your new Medicare number or other personal information. • Scammers may insist they want to replace your paper Medicare card with a plastic version. This is not true. • Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for mistakes. If you or someone you know comes across such Medicare related phone scams, call Virginia SMP at 1-800-938-8885.