Beware of Health Insurance Sales Phone Scam

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) has learned about two types of scam calls that some of our members are receiving.

The first type of call involves "spoofing."

A spoofing attack happens when someone fakes the identity of another device or user on a network to steal data from the victim.

In this case, members receive calls that show "Blue Cross and Blue Shield" on their caller ID. However, BCBSNM is not making those calls. The scam callers ask for protected health information (PHI). They also claim they can lower member premiums or offer additional coverage.

The second type of call is made by people who falsely say they are representatives of Blue Cross or Blue Cross and Blue Shield. They claim they're selling health insurance. It's important for you to know we do not make any automated prerecorded sales calls.

In both of these situations:

• The calls are not from us. We don't yet know who is making them. The callers appear to be trying to get you to give out personal or financial information.
• This is reported as a national scam.
• If you get one of these calls, hang up right away. Don’t give out your personal information or press any numbers if prompted.
• Unless you have a qualifying life event, you can't apply for health insurance until the next Open Enrollment period starting in November.
• Read more about health care fraud and ways to protect your personal and financial information.

If you have any questions about calls that may come from us, please call the number on your member ID card.

Originally published 10/25/2018; Revised 2019, 2022