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Elderly Residents become Targets of Fraudulent Phone Calls

Public Health Department Does Not Solicit Personal Information

By Michael P. Neufeld
Saturday, November 14, 2009

San Bernardino Mountains - Some elderly residents in the San Bernardino Mountains have been receiving fraudulent phone calls from individuals stating they were representing the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.

(Photo by County of San Bernardino.)

The people making the calls asked for personal information, such as social security and bank numbers, according to a county news release.

"I want to assure the public that the employees of my department do not make telephone calls soliciting this type of information to conduct business," Director of Public Health Jim Lindley stated.

According to a 2009 report by MetLife, the annual financial loss by victims of elder financial abuse is estimated to be at least $2.6 billion.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses an individuals' personal identifying information, such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without the person's permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

If seniors are not able to verify the person who calls with such a request, immediately call the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station at (909) 336-0600 or the Big Bear Sheriff's Station at (909) 866-0100.

This article was first published on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 7:07 pm. This article has been viewed 994 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.