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SENIOR SLUETH VIDEO SCRIPT IN TEXT FORMAT
SENIORS: PROTECT YOURSELVES FROM FRAUD
Scene: Attorney General in her office.
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS
MANAGING YOUR HEALTH CARE BILLS
THIS FIRST SCENARIO EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR HEALTH CARE BILLS AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR BENEFITS.
SKIT: TWO WOMEN IN GROCERY STORE DISCUSSING MEDICAL BILLS. . .
VOICE OVER (AGING SERVICES REP. IN CO VIDEO)
MANY PEOPLE GET STATEMENTS FROM THEIR DOCTOR’S OFFICE OR
OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, AND DON’T KNOW WHETHER THEIR SECONDARY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THE STATEMENT. OUR ADVICE IS THAT THE BENEFICIARY SHOULD CALL THEIR SECONDARY INSURANCE COMPANY TO SEE WHETHER THEY HAVE THE BILL, IF THEY ARE GOING TO PAY IT, AND HOW MUCH THEY ARE GOING TO PAY. THE BENEFICIARY SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY PAYMENTS UNTIL THEY KNOW WHAT THEIR INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL PAY.
Voice over: Figuring out your medical bills after an illness is one of the most confusing issues all seniors face, and it can be just as bewildering to your caregivers or relatives.
Scene: Two women in a supermarket are talking about their Medicare bills.
Mary: Oh hi, Jane. I haven’t seen you for a while.
Jane: Been laid up for awhile. Was having trouble with my breathing, so they ran some tests and had me take it easy for a spell.
Mary: Are you feeling better now?
Jane: Pretty much. But, you know, the worst part about getting sick is the bills you get from everyone who took your pulse or laid eyes on you. I just don’t know what part I should pay, and what part Medicare or my secondary insurance will pay.
Mary: I had the same problem, and then someone told me to look closely at my statement from Medicare, called an MSN. That stands for “Medicare Summary Notice” and it lists bills submitted for payment to Medicare by doctors and other health care providers for a 30 day period. You can check it to see if Medicare made its payment on your recent services, and better yet, you can see the amount you or your other insurance owes on that same service. You can also make sure there weren’t charged for some treatment that wasn’t done.
[ A close-up of a MSN appears on the screen.]
Jane: But how do I deal with my secondary insurance?
Mary: They will send their own statement, called an Explanation of Benefits, which shows what they paid. If that amount equals what the Medicare Summary Notice says is owed, you don’t have to worry about making any more payments on that bill. If you still aren’t sure, there’s a Medicare counseling program that can help you figure out what the secondary insurance should pay, whether it had been billed, and what is still owed out of your pocket. Sometimes you just need to get that kind of help.
Jane: I’ve just been paying the bills as I get them. Should I go ahead and keep paying the bills that come to me?
Mary: No, that a big mistake. Most health care providers have their computers set up to send out monthly bills, and they may not reflect payments still to come from Medicare or
your secondary insurance. And the provider’s bills may not reflect the Medicare limits on what they are allowed to charge, which they eventually write off. Wait until you are sure that Medicare and the secondary have paid their part. And be sure to save all the
statements you receive from Medicare and your secondary insurer. And of course there is always SHIP.
Jane: You mean take a cruise?
Mary: [Laughs] Well, those are always fun, too, but I was referring to S.H.I.P., which stands for Senior Health Insurance Program . They have counselors who have been trained by the state, and can help people on Medicare with their health insurance questions, including bill issues.
SUBURBAN AREA AGENCY ON AGING/ AGE OPTIONS REPRESENTATIVE DESCRIBES THE MEDICARE PATROL PROJECT AND SAYS THEIR AGENCY CAN ALSO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE AND TAKE CALLS REGARDING FRAUD.
Attorney General’s Health Care Helpline: 1 – 877 – 305 - 5145
Suburban Area Agency on Aging/ AgeOptions: 1 – 800 – 699 – 9043
SHIP: 1 – 800 – 548 – 9034
Senior HelpLine: 1 – 800 – 252 – 8966
SHIP REPRESENTATIVE: SHIP IS A STATEWIDE PROGRAM TO HELP SENIORS WITH MEDICARE . . . . [brief explanation of SHIP] . . .
IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE PROVIDER’S EXPLANATION OF YOUR BILL, THERE MAY BE THE POSSIBILITY OF FRAUD. CALL THE MEDICARE OFFICE THAT IS ON THE BILL; THEIR NUMBER IS ON THE MEDICARE SUMMARY NOTICE YOU RECEIVED. IF YOU STILL SUSPECT FRAUD, CALL THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE OR CALL AGE OPTIONS AT THE NUMBERS ON THE SCREENTO REPORT YOUR SUSPICIONS SO THEY CAN BE LOOKED INTO.
VOICE OVER: MEDICAL BILLS AND INSURANCE STATEMENTS CAN BE OVERWHELMING AND CONFUSING. HELP IS AVAILABLE, SO DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT SHIP, AGE OPTIONS, OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S HEALTH CARE HELPLINE WITH QUESTIONS.
REMEMBER THESE POINTS:
THE VAST MAJORITY OF DOCTORS, HOSPITALS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ARE HONEST AND STRAIGHTFORWARD, BUT MISTAKES DO HAPPEN. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO CHECK YOUR BILLS AND TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE CORRECT AND THAT YOU RECEIVED THE SERVICES FOR WHICH ARE YOU ARE BEING BILLED. BE AWARE, AND LOOK FOR ANY CHARGES FOR ITEMS OR SERVICES YOU DID NOT ORDER AND NEVER GOT. EVERY YEAR TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ARE LOST TO MEDICARE FRAUD, MONEY THAT SHOULD GO TOWARD PROVIDING NEEDED MEDICAL CARE.
BE SUSPICIOUS OF MEDICARE PROVIDERS SOLICITING YOU AT HOME, OFFERING “FREE” SERVICES OR PRODUCTS IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR
MEDICARE NUMBER, OR IF YOU ARE OFFERED MONEY TO GO TO A CERTAIN PROVIDER. ALSO BE WARY IF A PROVIDER TELLS YOU THEY
CAN GIVE YOU AN ITEM OR SERVICE USUALLY NOT COVERED, BUT THEY KNOW HOW TO BILL MEDICARE FOR IT.
REMEMBER, FREE AND TRUSTWORTHY HELP IS AVAILABLE THROUGH SHIP, AGE OPTIONS, THE SENIOR HELPLINE AND THE CONSUMER FRAUD LINES IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE.
GIVING TO CHARITIES
VOICE OVER: OLDER PEOPLE GIVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO CHARITY EVERY YEAR. IN ILLINOIS, CHARITIES MUST REGISTER WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE. THAT ALLOWS US TO WEED OUT FRAUDULENT OPERATORS WHO ARE TRYING TO GET YOUR MONEY FOR THEMSELVES AND NOT FOR A CHARITABLE PURPOSE. YOU CAN “CHECK IT OUT” WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE TO SEE IF A CHARITY IS REGISTERED BY CALLING ONE OF THE CONSUMER FRAUD HOTLINES AT 1- 800 – 964 – 3013.
VOICE OVER: THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO HAVE A CHARITABLE GIVING PLAN WHERE YOU WRITE DOWN THE ORGANIZATIONS YOU WANT TO
SUPPORT, AND HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO GIVE THEM. IF YOU STICK TO YOUR PLAN, AND YOU MAKE SURE THE ORGANIZATIONS ON IT ARE
LEGITIMATE, YOU SHOULD NOT LOSE MONEY TO A FRAUDULENT SOLICITOR.
Scene: Woman is in her home, and the phone rings.
Martha: [Picks up phone] Hello.
Solicitor [Voice on phone] Hello. I’d like to speak to Martha Kilpatrick.
Martha: This is she.
Solicitor [Tight head shot of solicitor]. Martha, I’m calling with regard to the Greater City Police Protection Association. On behalf of our police officers I want to thank you
for your donation last year and ask that you support the work of the police again this year. As you are well aware, crime has been increasing in the city, and every day our police officers are at greater risk. I’m sure you’ve read about the number officers who have been injured on the job this last year. [Camera angle widens to show the solicitor in a Hawaiian shirt and sandals with his feet up on a desk.] We’re asking you to help us by contributing to this worthwhile cause. And we make it easy for you. We can have one of our members come by and pick up your donation within the next hour. How much will you be contributing?
Martha: First of all, I don’t recall giving to the police last year. And I certainly never give to charities over the telephone. If you want me to consider this organization, please send me a written description of the service you provide or an annual report.
Solicitor: We have a nice report, but it’s still at the printers. When our member comes by to pick up you contribution, he can take down your mailing address and we’ll be happy to send you that report as soon as it’s off the press.
Martha: Are you a police officer, or do you work for a professional fundraising organization?
Solicitor: Well, I work for a police organization.
Martha: How much is going to the police organization and how much is going for fundraising? And, does any of the money raised to the police department?
Solicitor: Police officers will definitely benefit from your donation. I don’t have those percentages right in front of me, but you can be assured that the bulk is going to the
police officers who need it. And they do need help, Martha. Please be as generous as you can be.
Martha: I’m sure there is a need, but don’t bother to send someone over to pick up my contribution. You see, I keep a list of those charities I support. But if you want me to consider yours, then send me a copy of your annual report. Thank you. [Hangs up.]
OAG ATTORNEY/VOICE OVER : WHEN YOU ARE ON THE PHONE WITH SOMEONE SOLICITING YOUR MONEY, REMEMBER, YOU ARE IN CHARGE; YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING YOU DO NOT WANT TO DO.
Scene: Woman on phone.
OAG ATTORNEY /VOICE OVER : NEVER FEEL PRESSURED INTO MAKING A CONTRIBUTION. ANYTIME SOMEONE CALLS YOU FOR MONEY AND SAYS THEY WILL COME BY IN PERSON TO PICK UP YOUR CHECK THAT DAY, A RED FLAG SHOULD GO UP IN YOUR MIND THAT THIS MAY WELL BE A SCAM.
Scene: Woman on phone.
VOICE OVER: DON’T EVER GIVE IN TO HIGH PRESSURE TACTICS ON THE PHONE. PEOPLE WHO USE THEM ARE MOST OFTEN FRAUDS. BEWARE OF
THEM. AND AGAIN, THE BEST THING TO DO IS PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR CHARITABLE GIVING.
Scene: Two men meet at their apartment mail box.
Frank: Look at all this junk mail, Bill. And half of them are requests from some charity. I’ve always been very generous with my money, but I’ve given up on knowing what to give to whom. It’s so confusing.
Bill: I had the same problem, Frank. What I never knew was which were the legitimate charities, and which were the scams.
The better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. They analyze charities and report on whether a charity meets a set of ethical standards, such as the charity’s use of funds and public accountability. I use my computer too. [Scene of Bill bringing up the www.give.org. web site.] I can easily get these reports off the BBB’s www.give.org web site.
WOMAN’S VOICE DESCRIBING BBB’S “WISE GIVING” WEB SITE.
OAG ATTORNEY /VOICE OVER : REMEMBER, IN ILLINOIS YOU CAN ALSO CALL THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE TO SEE IF A CHARITY IS REGISTERED.
[DELETE NEXT APPEARANCE BY CO AG]
Back to scene at mailboxes:
Frank: That’s a great help! Oh, look, this one has some greeting cards enclosed. Do I need to help pay for those?
Bill: That’s another thing I learned it’s against the law to demand payment for unordered merchandise, so you don’t owe them anything. The same goes for sweepstakes. If an organization requires a contribution, that makes them a lottery, and that’s illegal. Besides, if a charity is using a sweepstakes promotion, that means they are paying a promoter, so less money is actually going to the charity.
Frank: How many charities do you contribute to each year, Bill?
Bill: I limit myself to six. I used to do 15 or 20, and then I found out those charities all sold my name to other charities and before I knew it I was getting hundreds of requests in the mail. I’m just much more careful these days.
Frank: You’ve been a big help, Bill. I’m glad I ran into you this morning. And I’m tearing these all up and sticking with the charities I feel comfortable with.
VOICE OVER:
REMEMBER THESE POINTS:
PLANNING FOR INCREASED DEPENDENCY
VOICE OVER: AS WE GET OLDER, WE BEGIN TO THINK ABOUT THE END OF OUR LIFE AND THE DECISIONS THAT MUST BE MADE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE SURE THAT ALL PLANNING DOCUMENTS ARE DONE CORRECTLY, AND THAT THEY DON’T SET UP ANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRAUD AND ABUSE.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY, FOR EXAMPLE, ARE IMPORTANT INSTRUMENTS TO INSURE THAT OUR WISHES ARE CARRIED OUT IF WE BECOME INCAPACITATED; UNFORTUNATELY, ALL TOO OFTEN, POWERS OF ATTORNEY CAN FACILITATE FRAUD AND ABUSE. WHEN WE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE, WE NEED TO DO SO IN THE WISEST WAY POSSIBLE.
SCENARIO: TWO OLDER COUPLES PLAYING CARDS AND DISCUSSING DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY/VOICE OVER : SENIORS SHOULD CONSIDER EXECUTING A DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCE, NAMING
SOMEONE TO HANDLE THEIR AFFAIRS IF THEY BECOME INCAPACITATED, AND ALSO ONE FOR HEALTH CARE, AUTHORIZING SOMEONE TO MAKE MEDICAL DECISIONS FOR THEM IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO DO SO.
Scene: Two men and two women have just finished playing cards at a club.
Sam: Well, that was quite a game. You played very well today, Wilma.
Wilma: Thank you, Sam. Just the luck of the draw. But I am feeling pretty good today about some financial planning I just completed. I think I’ve finally got all my ducks in a row, and my family is on board with my plan.
Tom: What kind of financial planning, Wilma? Did you update your will?
Wilma: No, I went a step beyond that. I made arrangements for identifying those who will handle my finances and health care choices, if I can’t handle them myself. I got a couple different “Power of Attorney” forms completed and notarized. Then, when the whole family was together for my birthday party, I let them know that I wanted Brad and Kim to handle my affairs if I’m not able to. And I’ve asked my friend Angela to be the alternate, in case either Brad or Kim aren’t able to help when the time comes.
Karen: Do you remember what happened to our friend Sally? She gave a power of attorney to her grandson, and the next thing you know he had spent most of her money. Now she’s in a nursing home paid for by Medicaid, and her life savings are gone. This whole power of attorney business makes me a little nervous.
Wilma: Well, it can be a little unsettling. That’s why it is important to take action now, while you’re healthy, and not in the middle of a health crisis. I found out that there are some “fill in the blank” forms out there for durable power of attorney. These can be drafted by anyone and don’t have to be approved by a court. They just let the one given the power of attorney to do whatever he or she wants. Maybe that’s what Sally’s grandson used. But I ignored this do-it-yourself form and had a document drafted just for me, to prevent any abuse. And, I made sure that not just one person would make my financial decisions.
Sam: Did you have to hire a lawyer to set all this up?
Wilma: Yes, I went to the bar association and found a lawyer who specialized in probate and estate issues. They are supposed to know the most about this type of legal document. As I said there are some simple fill in the blank forms you can use to set up your own power of attorney without a lawyer. But I needed a document more tailored to my wishes.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY /VOICE OVER : IT IS RECOMMENDED, ALTHOUGH NOT REQUIRED, TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY PREPARE YOUR DOCUMENTS. IT IS THE ATTORNEY’S REPSONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOUR WISHES ARE ACCURATELY STATED AND THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING. IT IS ALSO CRITICAL THAT THE AGENTS YOU NAME UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY /VOICE OVER: “DURABLE” MEANS THAT THE POWER OF ATTORNEY REMAINS IN EFFECT AFTER YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NAME A SUCCESSOR AGENT IN CASE YOUR PRIMARY AGENT IS NOT AVAILABLE OR CANNOT TAKE OVER WHEN THE TIME COMES. AND OF COURSE THE AGENTS YOU NAME SHOULD BE PEOPLE YOU TRUST COMPLETELY.
Karen: I’m still not sure how a power of attorney works. Is it the same thing as a guardianship?
Wilma: What I learned from my lawyer is that a power of attorney is different from a
guardianship, which occur after someone becomes
However, the court may appoint someone that you don not want, while a power of attorney lets you make the decisions beforehand.
Tom: I once heard there were different kinds of powers of attorney.
Wilma: That was news to me, Tom. What I signed is called a “durable power of attorney,” which means it continues on if I become incapacitated. There are also regular powers of attorney, which are usually for specific or limited situations, such as handling a
real estate transaction. In my case, I included wording about what financial matters I wanted Brad and Kim to administer, and those things I didn’t’ want to happen, like selling my house. And my document also includes language that they must take the action they believe I would want, and they can’t use the money for their own purposes.
Tom: Does this same document apply to your health care issues, too, or did you already have a living will?
Wilma: No, this particular power of attorney document doesn’t apply to health care. I had to set up a second document, called a durable power of attorney for health care, and I decided to have Angela make those decisions, if the time came. Angela and I have talked more about those things than I have with my own kids, and I think we’re on the same page as to what is best. Frankly, I was afraid the kids wouldn’t be as willing to make the hard decisions, if it came to that.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY /VOICE OVER: THE AGENT UNDER A HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY HAS GREAT POWER, THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH, THE ABILITY TO DECIDE THINGS FOR US WHEN WE CAN NO LONGER DECIDE FOR OURSELVES. IT SHOULD BE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS US VERY WELL AND CAN BE TRUSTED TO DO WHAT WE WANT.
Sam: You know Wilma, you not only played a good game today, but it sounds as though you have a good game plan for your future, too. I guess I’d better look into what I need to do. Thanks for the information.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY /VOICE OVER : EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A PLAN IN ORDER TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM AT THE END OF LIFE, A PLAN THAT INCLUDES CHECKS AND BALANCES, SUCH AS HAVING EXPENDITURES MONITORED BY A 3 RD PARTY.
REMEMBER THAT THE PERSON WHO CREATES THE POWER OF ATTORNEY CAN REVOKE IT AT ANY TIME.
BE AWARE THAT FINANCIAL ABUSE IS MOST OFTEN COMMITTED BY FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER PEOPLE CLOSE TO THE VICTIM.
FINALLY, IF YOU SUSPECT THAT ANY OLDER PERSON IS BEING ABUSED, NEGLECTED OR FINANCIALLY EXPLOITED, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE ILLINOIS ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT PROGRAM AT 1-800-866-1409 (TTY: 1-800-544-5304) . ALL CALLS ARE
CONFIDENTIAL. YOU CAN ALSO REPORT ANY SUSPECTED CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.
MAKING WISE INVESTMENT DECISIONS
VOICE OVER: YOU’VE WORKED HARD TO SAVE FOR YOUR RETIREMENT, AND YOU WANT TO KEEP MAKING WISE INVESTMENTS. BUT BE AWARE
THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF INVESTMENT SCAMS OUT THERE, AND EVERY DAY, OLDER PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS ARE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BY THESE FRAUDULENT OPERATIONS AND MANY END UP PENNILESS.
Scene: A man greets a woman in a church lobby.
John: Hi, Shirley, didn’t see you here at church last week.
Shirley: I just got back from a trip back East to see my daughter. It was a little treat to myself, after the settlement I received.
John: A settlement? For what?
Shirley: I was in an auto accident, nothing serious, but their insurance company gave me a nice settlement, and it has been a blessing.
John: I’m sure it has. Have you considered how you might invest this extra money?
Shirley: I’ve been thinking about it.
John: Since we’re friends, I have an idea. As you know, I invest in different projects, and there’s one out there now that is really hot. Some religious developers I know are
putting together plans for a faith – oriented resort called “Heaven on Earth” and the return is sure to be significantly higher than you can get anywhere else.
Shirley: Tell me more.
John: There are members from various faiths all over the U.S. going together on this, so you know it’s safe. At the same time, you will be helping to do something for your own
faith. Sam and Betty have already invested. As I told them, “He who hesitates, loses.” This offer won’t be around long, and only certain people are being contacted.
REP. FROM SECURITIES DIV./VOICE OVER : MANY PEOPLE TURN TO FAITH BASED INVESTMENTS, THINKING THEY MUST BE SAFE BECAUSE THEY ARE AFFILIATED WITH A TRUSTED ORGANIZATION, THEIR CHURCH, TEMPLE OR MOSQUE. CON ARTISTS UNFORTUNATELY KNOW THIS. IF THEY CAN CONVINCE JUST A FEW MEMBERS OF A CONGREGATION TO INVEST, VERY OFTEN A LOT OF OTHER MEMBERS WILL FOLLOW.
Shirley: I believe you, John. We’ve known each other a long time.
John: It’s the perfect opportunity to invest in your faith and to help yourself as well. I can come over to your house this afternoon, and we can get your funds transferred right away, so they can get started to work for you immediately.
Shirley: As I said, I’ve known you for a long time, John, but I know nothing about this project. If it’s as good as you say it is, I’m sure I can find more details about it from
some others sources I know about. I don’t want to be rushed until I do some further checking. Thanks for the suggestion, but I want to make the best investment possible.
John: You’re making a big mistake by putting this off.
Shirley: And you made a big mistake, John, if you thought I’d invest in something without doing my homework first. Enjoy your day.
REP. FROM SECURITIES DIV./VOICE OVER : THIS TYPE OF FRAUD, CALLED AFFINITY FRAUD, IS ESPECIALLY TERRIBLE, BECAUSE IT TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE FAITH PEOPLE HOLD SACRED. THE INVESTORS ARE LED TO BELIEVE THEIR FUNDS WILL GO TOWARD A HIGHER PURPOSE, AND WHEN THEY FIND OUT IT IS A FRAUD, THEY LOSE NOT ONLY THEIR MONEY BUT MANY TIMES ALSO THEIR TRUST IN THEIR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION AND ITS LEADERS. IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR SCAMS LIKE THIS TO LEAD TO CHURCHES SPLITTING APART.
Scene: A split screen shows a man calling another man about investing.
Ted: Hello.
Jim: Hello, Mr. Grant? My name is Jim Sellers, and I’m with the XYZ Investment Co., and I wanted to be the first to let you know about a product that’s just come on the market that will more than double your investment in 30 days.
Ted: Really, what is it?
Jim: You are probably aware of how important robotics are becoming. Well, this company is making a new type of robotic machine that will be used in the mining
industry. It is going to revolutionize this industry, because it will remove the human risk factor. Not many know about this now, so the stock is low. But as soon as the word gets out, it’s going to be going through the roof.
Ted: Sounds too good to be true. How do I buy some of this stock?
SECURITIES REP./VOICE OVER: ANYTIME SOMEONE TELLS YOU THAT THEY ARE GIVING YOU A ‘ONCE IN A LIFETIME’ OPPORTUNITY,’ OR THAT YOU HAVE TO DECIDE IMMEDIATELY, YOU SHOULD BE VERY WARY AND NOT ONLY WALK AWAY, BUT RUN AWAY FROM THE DEAL.
Ted: Hello
Jim: Hello, Mr. Grant? My name is Jim Sellers, and I’m with the fidelity First Investment Co., and I wanted to be the first to let you know about a product that’s just come on the market that will more than double your investment in 30 days.
SECURITIES REP./VOICE OVER: ANYTIME YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT, ALWAYS ASK FOR WRITTEN INFORMATION SUCH AS A PROSPECTUS, AN ANNUAL REPORT, OR A 3 RD PARTY ANALYSIS OF THE COMPANY.
AND IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS ENGAGED IN SECURITIES FRAUD, REPORT IT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE’S DEPARTMENT OF SECURITIES AT 800-628-7937 SO IT CAN BE INVESTIGATED.
Ted: You know, Mr. Sellers, experience has taught me not to do business over the phone. For one thing, I’ve never met you, and know nothing about your company. However, if
you’ll send me a prospectus and some information about your company, I may consider this offer.
Jim: But . . .
Ted: In case you don’t have my address, I’ll give it to you. But please put me on the Do Not Call list. I’ll call you if I’m interested. [Hangs up, then talks to himself.] You know, I’m getting tired of these telemarketers trying to get me to invest my money. I need to sign up for the [edit out “ Colorado”] Do Not Call list. Now where did I put that number?
SECURITIES REP./VOICE OVER: YOU CAN EASILY REGISTER ON THE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL LIST BY GOING TO 1-888- www.donotcall.gov OR BY CALLING 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236.
REMEMBER, TO AVOID BEING TAKEN BY INVESTMENT FRAUD:
CLOSING COMMENTS BY AG
Have Narrator finish the segment below:
REMEMBER:
FOR HELP WITH MEDICARE QUESTIONS, CALL SHIP AT 1-800-548-9034 OR AGE OPTIONS AT 1-800-699-9043
TO REPORT SUSPECTED MEDICARE FRAUD CALL THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CONSUMER FRAUD LINE AT 1 - 800 – 386 – 5438-—OR AGE OPTIONS AT 1-800 – 699 – 9043.
AND TO FIND OUT IF A CHARITY IS REGISTERED, OR IF A COMPANY IS LEGITIMATE, “CHECK IT OUT” BY CALLING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CONSUMER HOTLINE AT 1-800 – 383 – 5438.
AND TO HELP OUT, CONSIDER JOINING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S SENIOR SLEUTHS/MEDICARE PATROLS PROGRAM. FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE AT 1-217-557-1982
Statement of Non-discrimination
The Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Suburban Area Agency on Aging do es not discriminate in admission to programs or treatment of employment in programs or activities in compliance with appropriate State and Federal statutes. If you feel you have been discriminated against, call the Illinois Attorney General’s Office at 1-312-814-3000 (voice and TTY) or Suburban Area Agency on Aging/ AgeOptions at (800)699-9043, (708)383-0258 (voice) or (708)524-1653 (TTY).