Meals on Wheels Scam – Berks County

Meals on Wheels Phone Scam Affecting PA Seniors

Reading, PA—Berks Encore would like to alert Berks County senior citizens to a new Meals on Wheels scam.  Berks Encore Meals on Wheels clients have reported being contacted by scammers claiming to represent Meals on Wheels; the scammers request personal information.

The scammer asks the individual to provide information about his/her home, home ownership status, rent/mortgage information, and bank account information. Targeted individuals reported that the caller knew a variety of personal details, including the names of their children and financial institution. These calls are fraudulent and no personal information should be provided to the callers.

“This is yet another scam trying to get bank account and other information from seniors,” states LuAnn Oatman, President/CEO of Berks Encore and President of Meals on Wheels Association of Pennsylvania.  “Representatives of Berks Encore’s Meals on Wheels staff will not call homebound clients requesting on the status of your mortgage, rent, or bank balances. Qualifications for the Berks Encore Meals on Wheels program do not require a financial report.”

Phone scams are not new, although often scammers find new, creative ways to create a compelling story. Never give personal information like your social security number or banking information ove rhte phone, and be suspicious of calls from people who claim to represent official agencies and then request personal information. Check your bank statement for any unusual charges. Remember that scare tactics are a red flag; if anyone threatens that your Meals on Wheels or other coverage may be taken away by not cooperating, hang up the phone immediately.