GRAVETTE — The phone call seemed almost routine. The voice was pleasant, not harsh, not intimidating. And the words seemed innocent enough when the caller said, “We’re getting ready to send you a new Medicare card and we need to confirm a bit of information.”

Experts, in dealing with phone scams, advise persons receiving such a call to immediately hang up.

Generally we do. But sometimes, in a weaker or non-threatening moment, we don’t. And so the caller continues.

Identifying the person being called by name, the voice continues, “And is this your address...?”

The charade continues as the voice said, “We’ll need you to get your checkbook to verify some numbers.” Moments later she rattles off numbers that identify the called party’s bank, which prove to be correct.

Suspicion begins to grow as the voice continues, “We need you to verify the other numbers on your check. Could you do that for me?”

That was the straw that broke the conversation when the person called replied, “I don’t give out that information over the phone.”

Click. The connection was broken by the caller. Who knows where the call originated?

Has this happened to you? It happened to an area resident one afternoon last week.

It happens more often than most people realize. And if the conversation continues, the caller can sometimes manage to secure the called party’s complete bank account number, or other personal information that could be used to steal an identity, rob a checking account, cause irreparable damage to a person’s credit rating and financial condition and even ruin a reputation.

Be warned. The call to an area resident last week was cut short by the simple words, “I don’t give that information over the phone.”

But how often does an unsuspecting person continue with the conversation which is pleasant, official sounding, soothing? Even if there is a foreign sounding accent involved.

Be warned. Do as the experts advise. Hang up immediately. Know that government agencies, banks, any legitimate business or organization will not request such information over the phone. Hang up immediately.

And then call your banking institution, the Medicare agency and the Arkansas Consumer Protection in the Attorney General’s office. That number is toll free, 1-800-482-8982, and advise them of the scam scheme that is being pursued. Also call the local police if you feel information has been compromised or if you believe you could identify the source of the call. And if the information is sought through the mail, take all the information to your local postmaster.

But, most important of all, when the phone is answered, and a sweet voice makes conversation and then leads toward seeking personal information, don’t give the caller the opportunity to continue. Hang up. Immediately!

News, Pages 8 on 01/23/2013